Sophomores share poetry with classmates

From the Red Bird Riot Staff

April 26, 2006

Lit only by lava lamps, black lights, and tropical fish lanterns, with big pillows and mushroom chairs replacing the traditional desks, room 108 was no longer an English classroom: it became a haven for sophomores to share their poetry last Friday.
"The English II classes just completed a poetry unit, so it was a good opportunity for the students to share their work with one another in a non-threatening atmosphere," Mrs. Orman said.
For the past two years the English department hosted the Alley Cat Caf�in the spring. To keep the event from becoming mundane, the department decided to host the event every-other year. "It involves a lot of preparation to pull it off," Orman said, "Other departments help with the organization and we just ran out of time this year. I think students will appreciate it more if it's every-other year, as well."
Still, many students wished to have the poetry caf�--even it was on a smaller scale.
"The sophomores brought in decorations and pillows to sit on, as well as their own food and drinks for each English II class period on Friday," Orman said, which cut down on some of the organizational tasks. "They had just written their own poetry books, so they had enough material to read, as well."
Students who read their own original poetry were: Matt Armstrong, Emily Bennitt, Tim Brutsman, Steven Carsey, Haley DeShane, Jake Eastburn, Shauna Fisher, Ken Grom, Valerie Hill, Josh Maloney, Jordan Morrissey, Ashley Riewerts, Adam Voeltz, and Amanda Young.
Other sophomores opted to read their classmates' work or a favorite poem or song. Those who did not want to read helped out by bringing food, drinks, plates, napkins, cups, or decorations for the event.
Each class period (1st, 3rd, 6th, and 8th hours) voted on the best poem, best speaker, best original work by an EHS student, best snack/drink, and best decoration.
The winners for best poem were "My Shining Star, Pt. 2" by Emily Bennitt read by Michelle Schroeder, "I Can't Believe You Chose Me" read by Pippen VanDeWostine, "Shapes" by Ken Grom read by Brett Schipper, "War" by Matt Armstrong, and "Maud Muller" by John Greenleaf Whittier read by Mrs. Weaver.
Best speakers were Kassi Dwinnels and Donny Reul, Pippen VanDeWostine, Jake Eastburn, and Tim Brutsman.
Best original work by an EHS student went to "I Am" by Shauna Fisher, "My Shining Star, Pt. 2" by Emily Bennitt, "All" by Val Hill, "Football" by Adam Voeltz, and "War" by Matt Armstrong.
Favorite snack/drink winners were Nate Hill for Mt. Dew, Audrey Williams and Chelce Jones for M&Ms, Amanda Young for her chocolate cake, Maria DeBlieck for chips, Emily Bennitt for chocolate chip cookies, and Monica Mattingly and Heather Jones for bringing pop.
Best decorations went to Steven Carsey for his black lights and Annie DeBaillie for her neon pink rope lights.
Also, all students received bookmarks as door prizes before leaving the caf�.
"I think many students were surprised by their classmate's creativity," Orman said. "The class is filled with many talented writers; some of the poems are quite possibly the best I've read by students. Hopefully this event gave them the confidence to submit their work for publication--whether it's for our own literary magazine or for national contests. They deserve the recognition."