On October 9th, Bob Jones was the host of the annual Poetry Out Loud competition, which pits students who love poetry against each other for a chance to win scholarships.

“There are several benefits for students who participate in the Poetry Out Loud competitions at all levels.  In order to perform a poem well, the student must understand the langauage and nuances that the poet is presenting,” commented teacher Sheila Hadden, who organized this year’s event.

The winners of the classroom competitions moved onto the school level, which is followed by the prestigious state competition.  After state, the very best move onto nationals and a chance at the scholarship.  Bob Jones is proud to bring back two winners on the school level: Khadijah Thompson, who is moving onto state, and Emily Bohatch.

“To me, poetry is a little piece of someone thet put into words,” proud winner Emily Bohatch said, “no matter what you are writing about, there is at least the smallest bit of the author’s soul in there.”

Mrs. Hadden is always pleased to organize the competition, “Poetry provides intense snapshots of the author’s thoughts and life experiences that resonate and enrich our lives.  It gives a voice to our deepest feelings, whether that are serious or humorous.”