Slam Poetry Night features artwork, performances by students

Students+watch+a+slam+poetry+performance+in+the+Pavilion+Jan.+14.+Topics+at+Slam+Poetry+Night+included+body+image%2C+individuality+and+homophobia+%28Max+Davis%2FTalon%29.

Students watch a slam poetry performance in the Pavilion Jan. 14. Topics at Slam Poetry Night included body image, individuality and homophobia (Max Davis/Talon).

Students — some solo, some in pairs or groups — recited original slam poetry about everything from body image to battling homophobia.

“The event was an overwhelming success,” English teacher Roland Herberg wrote in an email. “I am always amazed by the quality of other students’ poetry and proud of the students who participate. [The poems] were moving and emotionally satisfying.”

For Slam Poetry Night, the Pavilion was transformed into a cafe-like setting. Strings of lights hung on trees and artwork lined the front of the stage, while the audience enjoyed the provided chairs, blankets, free snacks, hot chocolate and coffee. 

I would definitely go again next year. We have a lot of talent in this school

— Kakeru Ogata

Many students from Herberg’s and English teacher Kathy Schultheis’ classes attended the event. Both teachers originally offered extra credit for attending.

“It was a great experience for the student body to come together and be supportive of one another,” junior advanced peer counselor Camille Polk said.

However, after hearing reports of disrespectful audience behavior, Schultheis, who was unavailable for comment, canceled her extra credit opportunity for students who attended.

“It’s not all the juniors’ faults, it’s probably only a select few,” an anonymous student said, noting that the loss of extra credit felt unfair.

Regardless , Herberg believes the event was incredibly successful.

“The event was not tainted by any student’s misbehavior because the event was bigger than any disturbance that could have occurred,” Herberg said.

In all, junior Kakeru Ogata enjoyed attending Slam Poetry Night.

“I would definitely go again next year,” Ogata said. “We have a lot of talent in this school.”