Middle-Schoolers jam at contest

By Chrys Ivey Duncan

SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT

Spring 2007

Middle-school students sure have a lot on their minds, and they had a chance to express their thoughts at the second annual Leon County Reading Council's Middle School Poetry Contest this week.

Peer pressure, relationship struggles, school conflicts, the future, and hypocrisy were just a few of the topics expressed by more than 30 poets from Cobb, Deerlake, Florida High, Holy Comforter, and Nims middle schools.

Serious subjects weren't all students wanted to discuss, however. The frustration of spilling the contents of one's backpack and the triumph of a soccer victory were also among the topics mentioned.

The event was held at Rickards High School. Cobb Middle School Media Specialist Jenny Beyer organized the event. “The Reading Council started the Poetry Jam because we wanted to give middle-school students a forum to express their feelings and show off their writing ability,” she said. “This is the second year we've had the contest, and I am just blown away by the creative talent present in these students.”

Florida High Language Arts teacher Phil Mulling hosted the event. Mulling introduced each student poet and entertained the crowd by performing several poems. “We are grateful that these students have a place to practice and celebrate their talent,” Mulling said. “Poetry is a vital form of artistic expression, and we want to encourage students to continue writing and performing.” Local professional poets Carmita McCall and Rosalyn Webb served as entertainment for the evening, using singing and poetry to wow the crowd and inspire students to follow their dreams.

First Place: Raphaella Medina, “Rabbit Behind the Mirror,” Florida High

Second Place: Micheline Antoine, “What Has Happened,” Cobb Middle School

Third Place: Kearstin Rew, “It's Just Me,” Nims Middle School

Most Inspirational: Breannah Evora, “I'm the Future,” Cobb Middle School

Funniest: Matt Sullivan, “The Hypocrite,” Holy Comforter

Best Recitation of a Published Poem: Amber Olivia Houston, “The Lady of Shallot,” Florida High