From a field of 16, four poets remained in the running until one emerged as the finalist. Sixteen poetry lovers at Bruriah put their hearts and stanzas on the line to make it as a finalist. Not so simple, memorizing a poem then reciting it at the grade-level competition. Winners of the grade-level round make it to the finals where they recite their poems in front of the entire student body. When the field of 16 was whittled to five (two sophomores tied at the grade level), Bruriah students heard “Enough” from Yael Shavelson (’21), “Quite Frankly” from Bracha Gluck (“20), “Key to the Dollar Store” from Danielle Goldstein (“20), “On Quitting” from Shalva Poppers ‘(19), and “Thoughtless Cruelty” by Bracha Silverman (’18).

The contestants were judged on accuracy, presence and understanding of the poem, among other criteria. The winner of the school-wide round advances to the regional competition which is scheduled for February!

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Since 2005, Poetry Out Loud has grown to reach more than three million students and 50,000 teachers from 10,000 schools in every state, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Each winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip with an adult chaperone to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national championship. The state winner’s school receives $500 for the purchase of poetry books. The first runner-up in each state receives $100, with $200 for his or her school. A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends is awarded annually at the National Finals.