Clara Mitchell, an Animal Science senior from Marysville, captured the audience's attention at the Central Ohio Semifinals of Poetry Out Loud on December 12. The event, held at the Thurber Center in Columbus, saw Clara deliver heartfelt recitations of "Invisible Children" by Mariana Llanos and "The Arrow and the Song" by the renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Mitchell advanced to the Central Ohio Semifinals after winning Ohio Hi-Point's Poetry Out Loud competition in early December.
Poetry Out Loud, a revered national arts education program, fosters a deep appreciation for great poetry by providing high school students across the country with free educational materials and the opportunity to participate in dynamic recitation competitions. This innovative program is designed to help students enhance their public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and gain an understanding of literary history and contemporary life through the art of poetry.
Ohio Hi-Point's Poetry Out Loud competition was organized by OHP English Instructor, Mrs. Monica Young. Students selected one poem to study and memorize. Then, students recited the poem in front of the class. Student were judged on accuracy and performance.
As contestants like Clara took the stage at the Central Ohio Semifinals, they not only showcased their mastery of poetry but also highlighted Poetry Out Loud's commitment to fostering the artistic and personal growth of students.
The dedication and talent displayed at events like these underscore the importance of arts education in enriching the lives of young people and fostering a vibrant cultural environment.