Many students compete in various activities, but a small group of LHS students is entering a competition which many students may not be aware of. This January these students will participate in Poetry Out Loud.  They will be competing for a chance to ultimately represent South Dakota at a national competition in Washington D.C.

This year’s entrants are being led by English teacher Sara Klawonn. Although this is her first year, she is excited by the history of the competition and this year’s competitors.

“We’ve had a history of students who have been successful,” said Klawonn. “Lincoln has won the state competition for the past three years, but we’ve only had a single competitor. This year we have three students who are working to put together their selections and to help one another interpret the poems and to share memorization tips and strategies.”

Heidi Anderson, Tim Stolp and Gage Gramlick have been looking for and preparing their poems since before winter break. Although they are eventually going to compete against each other, the participants help each other work on their poems.

“What I think is really interesting and unique is that these three students are working together knowing that they’re going to be competing against one another at the same time,” said Klawonn.

Choosing to memorize a poem may seem like an odd decision to some students, but it is one that Anderson, Stolp and Gramlick have made enthusiastically.

“Some are drawn to poetry naturally,” said Klawonn. “I think others are drawn to Poetry Out Loud because of its performance element and because they get to recite the poetry and interpret it. I also think it gives life to poetry. Sometimes students are reluctant to read poetry because it’s too difficult or too mysterious. In this way, it makes it more practical and brings it to life.”

Each competitor from LHS will be judged by a panel of English teachers. The winner will go to the State competition. If they win State, they will receive a reimbursed trip to Washington D.C., where they would compete at the national level. The school would also receive funds for purchasing poetry materials for the library. The first competition will be on Jan. 24.

Correction: 1/7/19

The first name of English teacher Sara Klawonn was previously misspelt. This has since been corrected.