The auditorium was abuzz with nervous energy as the Poetry Out Loud contestants got ready to show off what they’ve been practicing. On Thursday, January 11, students across all grade levels competed by reciting poetry in front of a panel of judges, including Ms. Troy, Ms. Lennon, Mrs. Durso-Gorka, Mr. Carrillo, and Mr. Cashin. To participate in this competition, the contestants must commit to memory a short poem, consisting of 25 lines or less, as well as a second poem written before the 20th century. Not only must the poems be recited with one hundred percent accuracy, but also brought to life with a purposeful delivery to engage and guide the audience through deliberate inflections, well-timed pauses, and expressive gestures. There were ten JP students who participated, chosen through a preliminary round in the Poetry Performance Club or through their AP Literature and Composition teachers after reciting a poem in class. Each student performed for the school, hoping to move on to compete with the most moving and impactful performances from all across New Jersey in the next round of the competition.

To begin the event, contestants delivered their short poem in eleventh period and their second poem in twelfth period. In the latter half of the event, senior Vidyut Rajagopal delivered a moving poem commenting on police brutality titled “We are not Responsible” by Harryette Mullen. The audience gave raucous applause before the next candidate, senior Spencer Andrade, took the stage. As each candidate nervously went up to the microphone in anticipation of their performance, their jitters were diffused as the moderator, Mr. Kuczynski, light-heartedly tried to explain how to adjust the height of the microphone stand. 

“I was so inspired by the passion and effort everyone put into their performances that at certain points I didn’t feel nervous anymore,” said senior Edith Zhao. “I loved being around these amazing people who cared about poetry as much as I did; they made the experience so much fun.” 

Before the audience knew it, the last few contestants were wrapping up the magical afternoon of performances. Junior Kriti Agrawal delivered the final recitation, a poem called “I Once Was a Child” by Victoria Chang, which explores the theme of loss of innocence. Each candidate breathed a sigh of relief as Mr. Kuczynski went on stage to conclude the event, thanking everyone for coming to support and watching the performances; the audience’s reaction after the recitations made it clear that the contestants’ hard work paid off. Now, they only had to wait anxiously until homeroom the next morning, when the results of the competition would be announced.

Sophomore Kanisha Shiv won third place, senior Shresta Rai earned second place as runner-up, and senior Edith Zhao went for the gold, claiming her spot for the second year in a row as the first place winner. While it is incredibly rewarding to move on to the next rounds of this auspicious competition, every contestant enjoyed the experience immensely.

“I have always enjoyed public speaking but participating in Poetry Out Loud allowed me to explore performance art from a completely unique perspective,” said runner-up, senior Shresta Rai. “I didn’t expect to put so much effort into this competition but I really enjoyed every moment of it.” 

As the candidates on stage gestured toward one another, a comforting sense of community radiated throughout the room. Whether it was a deep breathing exercise or an encouraging smile, it was clear that this experience bonded the contestants and showed them the meaning of being welcoming and supportive to one another. 

“I felt like I was watching a movie when every person performed. I made so many new friends and learned more than I ever would’ve imagined! I loved and appreciated how everyone was non-judgmental and lifted everyone up,” said third-place winner, sophomore Kanisha Shiv. 

It was an enlightening event, succeeding not only in providing an afternoon of fun and engagement for all, but also in celebrating literature and the power it has to make us feel.