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For Immediate Release
June 11, 2008
Media Contact
- Allison Tratner
- 609.292.4524
- allison@arts.sos.state.nj.us
NJ High School Student Finishes Among the Top 5 in the Nation
National Poetry Recitation Contest Showcases the Talents of Teens
(Trenton, NJ) Allison Strong, the New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Champion from Union City, NJ, worked her way up to the National Poetry Out Loud contest by winning classroom, school-wide, regional and state-wide competitions. The challenging journey that began for her last fall at Union Hill High School culminated last month at the third annual National Poetry Out Loud recitation contest in Washington, DC, where she finished among the top five in the nation and took home a $1,000 scholarship prize and $500 stipend to her school for the purchase of poetry books.
More than 200,000 high school students from 1,500 schools across the country recited from memory great works of classic and contemporary poetry in a contest created to build on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and popularity of rap music among youth. "We are taking the impulse of the electric popular culture and linking it to the masterpieces of poetry," said Dana Gioia, the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, which cosponsors Poetry Out Loud with the Poetry Foundation. This national program has grown significantly since its inception three years ago and is now coordinated in every state by the State Arts Agencies. In New Jersey the program is presented by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) in partnership with Playwrights Theatre of NJ, New Jersey Network, and Discover Jersey Arts. “We are incredibly proud of the way Allison represented New Jersey on the national stage,” said NJSCA Executive Director, Steve Runk. “Poetry Out Loud challenges students of all levels and experience to find their unique voice and way of expressing themselves. The transformation that happens when these students step out on stage is truly remarkable.”
After winning in the semifinals against state champions from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands, Ms. Strong was one of 12 to advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals where students vied for more than $50,000 in prizes. The first place winner, Shawntay A. Henry of the US Virgin Islands, won a $20,000 scholarship prize and $500 for her high school for the purchase of poetry books.
The students performed before special guest judges including Garrison Keillor, host of the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" and Pulitzer-Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, among others. The judges evaluated student performances on criteria including physical presence, articulation, evidence of understanding, level of difficulty, and accuracy. “It’s very easy to get a little over dramatic,” said Ms. Strong. But after working at it like a true professional she realized, “It's about letting the poet's words shine.”
Ms. Strong let the words shine in her recitations of “Fever 103°” by Sylvia Plath and “A Supermarket in California” by Allen Ginsberg. “I have a newfound appreciation for the written word after my unforgettable experience with the Poetry Out Loud program,” said Ms. Strong. “I am truly grateful to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts not only for allowing me to represent the state in Washington, DC, but also for providing my school with an Artist in Residence program. The passion of the wonderful teaching artists instilled in me a love for poetry that will continue to enrich my life for years to come!”
About Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by emphasizing the latest trends in poetry – recitation and performance. Poetry Out Loud invites the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word and theatre into the English class to help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage. To maximize the positive impact of the program in New Jersey the State Arts Council partnered with PTNJ to provide seven intensive school residencies by professional poets and performing artists. Learn more about NJ Poetry Out Loud on jerseyarts.com and view the live webcast of the NJ State Finals.
Photographs Available
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