Interacting with poetry has been a popular activity at U-High recently. On Jan. 22, ninth grader Karina Hans won the annual Poetry Out Loud school-wide competition in which student participants recite poems aiming for the best declamation. Also, the U-High Shakespeare Slam team received the “Be Creative” award Jan. 8 by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater for a scene they crafted for the Shakespeare Slam Tournament at William Howard Taft High School on Nov. 16.
English teacher Katharine McJimsey has been hosting Poetry Out Loud for two years, and has promoted the expansion of poetry toward interested students.
“I love that it’s an opportunity for students who love poetry to express themselves this way and feel a connection to performance,” Ms. McJimsey said.
Karina, who is also a member of U-High journalism but not involved in reporting or editing this story, will advance to the regional level to compete against winners from other schools. Karina was recommended for this event by Ms. McJimsey, Karina’s English teacher, and joined because of her fascination with poetry.
“I find poetry very interesting because you really see into someone’s heart, their personality and what they’re thinking through their writing,” Karina said. “I think to me poetry is one of the most interesting art styles.”
Shakespeare Slam is a team competition between schools in which students combine elements of Shakespearean plays with modern media. This year, U-High’s Shakespeare Slam team’s winning performance merged lines from “Hamlet” with ABBA lyrics.
“I think this club is perfect for people who love poetry and performance and a combination of those two,” ninth grader Salma El Bissati, a club member, said. “Poetry really can be captivating and empowering.”