SIGN UP NOW FOR POETRY OUT LOUD: The Wyoming Arts Council is looking for high school teachers interested in “Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest,” co-sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. According to an NEA release: “Poetry Out Loud builds on the recent boom in poetry as an oral art form, as demonstrated by the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of rap music. The program encourages the nation’s young people learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which help students master public speaking skills and build self-confidence.” Another bonus: you get to learn great poetry by heart, a gift that keeps on giving throughout your life. Last year, 11 schools from throughout Wyoming participated in the program. Kamaria Stephens (shown in NEA photo) from Cheyenne East High School won the state finals and represented Wyoming at the national championships in Washington, D.C. You can get an entry form by e-mailing me or by calling 307-777-5234. Please respond by December 22.

Labels: poetry, Poetry Out Loud

- posted by Michael Shay @ 2:08 PM