"This is for the tired, elderly, Wal-Mart store front-door greeters," said MHS freshman Jenny Neuman, as she recited her poem "Shake the Dust" during the Beat Poetry Jam Session, part of Celebration of the Arts day at MHS.
Last year, Neuman's in the Golden Key Scholastic Writing contest by the Alliance For Young Artists and Writers.
In the spirit of poetry slam—a contest where individuals "perform" original works of poetry or other writing, sometimes set to music—MHS and Hommocks' students stepped up to the microphone to dramatize and enact the words that previously had only existed on paper.
The event was organized by MHS Librarian Tina Pantginis and Editor in Chief of the school's literary magazine, The Calliope/Penpourri, Michael Genecia. Members of the MHS jazz band provided the musical accompaniment for the performances.
"This event showcases all the talent in the building," said Pantginis about the all-day program that included instrument ensembles, a guest author, PACE a capella performances and film screenings.
