Nevada City, CA, February 17, 2024: Following an evening of recitation from high school students at the Eric Rood Center on Tuesday this week, Nevada County Arts Council announces the winners of its 2024 Poetry Out Loud County Championships.
Dino Parks of Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning (SAEL) is the 2024 County Champion for his recitation of Camouflaging the Chimera by Yusef Komunyakaa and After working sixty hours again for what reason by Bob Hicok. First and Second runners-up, also from SAEL were Mariposa Freeling for Siren Song by Margaret Atwood and One Hundred Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda, along with Sam Uelmen for Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market by Pablo Neruda and That’s My Heart Right There by Willie Perdomo.
“Art and Poetry give me a fun and creative outlet for all feelings, thoughts, and ideas that otherwise I may not share outwardly. Participation in Poetry Out Loud has also helped some of my friendships get even stronger as we have bonded through our shared love for poetry and performance. I have been so lucky to go to schools where Arts and programs like Poetry Out loud are valued and supported, as they’ve helped me grow and have fantastic opportunities like this.” Says Dino Parks, Poetry Out Loud County Champion and student at Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning.
Two students from Bear River were given Judge’s Choice Awards for their performance. Mia Guerra was recognized for her recitation of The Mortician in San Francisco by Randall Mann and My Father Sings, to My Embarrassment by Sandra M. Castillo. As was Emily Elias for Common Dust by Georgia Douglas Johnson and My Darling Turns to Poetry at Night by Anthony Lawrence.
“This year’s Nevada County POL competition was an immense success. The students showed an already deep understanding of their poems when I started working with them. It was easy to help them take that extra step to fine-tune and deliver stunning recitations. In my eyes, each and every one was a winner that night. Congratulations to all!” Said Rooja Mohassessy, this year’s poetry coach who worked closely with students at multiple high schools.
This year Nevada County Arts Council selected six judges from among an impressive literary field. The judges panel was comprised of current Nevada County Poet Laureate Kirsten Casey, Nevada County Poet Laureate emeritus Chris Olander, poet and former English teacher Judy Crowe, Madelyn Helling Librarian Julie Valin, Emily Surface, Conrad Cecil and Nevada County Librarian Nick Wilczek. Judges were coached in evaluation criteria, including physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding and overall performance.
“This year’s POL competitors were exceptional, each presented with poise and enthusiasm. The POL program is not just about memorizing a poem, it is also about self-confidence, individuality, connecting to literature, and interpreting meaning. Each year I am inspired by their willingness to recite, their support for each other, and their poetry selections. The students are the heart of this event, and I am grateful they have this opportunity in our community.” Said Kirsten Casey, Nevada County Poet Laureate and one of this year’s Poetry Out Loud County Championship judges.
What’s next for Nevada County’s winners? The 2024 California Poetry Out Loud State Finals will be held March 17-18 in Sacramento. Dino Parks will be attending with a third poem memorized for recitation, accompanied by his teacher and family members. Eliza Tudor, Executive Director of Nevada County Arts Council, which organizes and promotes Poetry Out Loud each year, says: “This year, the State Championships are back at the Capital after having been online during the pandemic, and one winner will be selected to represent California in the national competition. The California State winner receives a small cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. as well as an opportunity to compete at the National Finals for college scholarship funds – these take place at the end of April.”
“We are excited to be back at the Capitol for Poetry Out Loud, finalists from every county compete in the Senate Chambers in Sacramento, with scores of legislators in attendance, as well as California Arts Council councilmembers and staff. With standing room only, it is televised, and an average year sees upwards of 60,000 students participating in California’s POL, the largest state competition in the nation.”
Nevada County Arts Council has seen a dramatic decline in participation in Poetry Out Loud, due to the capacity of teachers and students after the pandemic. To encourage students to participate the Council offered every type of coaching to fit the needs of schools, teachers, classrooms of students and individual students, including formal, informal, ad hoc and bespoke sessions.
One particular school shone out in its determination to participate. Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning guided by English teacher, Marika Beck. Of the experience, Beck says: “Our students are so fortunate to have participated in this outstanding program and SAEL is honored to have students chosen for the top three winning recitations in the county. Rooja went above and beyond in dedicating so much time and energy to coaching our students and I have learned so much from her throughout this process.”
Beyond the State Finals for Poetry Out Loud, what other opportunities exist for students? Tudor says: “All finalists will have an opportunity to present their poems at our 8th Annual Sierra Poetry Festival, which culminates April 13th at The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley. Schools that are interested in participating in Poetry Out Loud next year, please contact Nevada County Arts Council. It is such a wonderful and transformative opportunity for our youth, we want as many students to participate as possible.”
More information about Poetry Out Loud can be found at https://www.capoetryoutloud.org and https://www.nevadacountyarts.org/poetry-out-loud and get your tickets for Sierra Poetry Festival at https://www.sierrapoetryfestival.org/