Arts

Gina Altiero, English Teacher

When I brought Poetry Out Loud to Ramsey High School ten years ago, I would have never thought it could have grown to the extent that is has. Multiple teachers have joined in and it is a phenomenal opportunity to watch students shine. Each year I often reflect and think about whether I should continue to organize this event. To me, watching and listening to students read poetry with enthusiasm and passion makes me proud to be an English teacher. Poetry means the world to me and I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful program where students voices are heard.

The 10th annual Ramsey High School “Poetry Out Loud” National Recitation Contest will occur on January 13, 2020. RHS students have competed in numerous regional Poetry Out Loud contests and have truly learned to appreciate poetry and language. We have always invited various judges to volunteer their time to assist with this event. It is wonderful to have a variety of teachers join in the competition. This year, we asked the culinary arts students to create some treats for our participants and Mrs. Iervolino was eager to join forces.

The National Endowment of the Arts and the Poetry Foundation created Poetry Out Loud and this program “...encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.”