Young poets get chance to shine at event that let’s them rhyme

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

Magness Library was proud to present An Evening with Young Poets last week. The event featured a number of local students from seventh to 12th grade from all over the county who performed their own works in front of a receptive audience. According to library director of young adult services Raymond Adcock, the library wanted to give the students an avenue for their creativity.

“We wanted to showcase local talent,” Adcock said. “Give them an opportunity to write and recite their own poetry.”

Adcock said the library was pleased with the quality of the work presented and the response from the community.

“I thought they were exceptional students,” Adcock said. “Very talented. We had great support from the parents and the teachers.”

Winners in the event were Casey Bigford for best performance with music, Caitlin Hall for best performance without music, Jonathan Hagar for best written poem, and Ashley Parker for best recitation.

Judges were Col. Thomas Vaughn, Mary Little and Mike Vinson.

Adcock said the library was pleased with the response and plans to continue and expand upon this type of event.

“I think it is very important for the parents, and also the community, to encourage the young adults in literary events,” Adcock said, “such as the Evening with Young Poets contest that we had. And we’re going to be having more events.”

Adcock felt the event had some added benefits for those who participated.

“I think the students really enjoyed the event,” Adcock said. “And it also gave them an opportunity to refine their public speaking skills, which is very important.”

An Evening with Young Poets was recorded and will be broadcast this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. on WCPI Public Radio, 91.3 on your FM radio dial.

PHOTO INFO:
Winners in this year’s Evening with Young Poets at Magness Library are, from left, Casey Bigford, best performance with music; Caitlyn Hall, best performance without music; and Jonathan Hagar, best written poem. Not pictured is Ashley Parker, best recitation. (Charles W. Johnson photo)