When it comes to poetry recitation many teens, and adults for that matter, might take the opportunity for eye rolling, brow wrinkling, or other signs of dismay and confusion. Memorizing and performance of poems and stories hold an important place in history, but recent accounts of such behavior are few. However, one Foley High School student has chosen the path less followed, especially since it might lead to a $20,000 scholarship.

Tiara Rowell, a junior, represented Alabama’s region one (the southern portion of the state) in the State Finals of Poetry Out Loud Feb. 18 at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery.

According to Charlie Smoke, associate director of the Mobile Arts Council, each contestant must prepare three poems by memory, chosen from the Poetry Out Loud anthology. One poem must be 25 lines or fewer and one must have been written before the 20th century. Rowell selected works by three women poets: “Time Does Not Heal. You All Have Lied” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “Enough” by Suzanne Buffam and “Echo” by Christina Rossetti. Tiara and other participants went through a long process to hone their performances, Smoke said

“Students must select their poems, then analyze them to ensure that they understand them completely, then find ways through rehearsal to convey the meaning they find,” he divulged. “Of course, memorization is a fundamental part of the process, as are basic public speaking skills, such as clear enunciation and adequate projection.”

Joe Fuselli, an acting teacher from the University of South Alabama who coached Rowell, said that she exhibited all the makings of a champion.

“Tiara is instantly likable with a bright smile and always positive attitude,” he revealed. “She also demonstrates an uncommon level of class and composure for someone her age — genuine.”

Berkleigh Cirilli, Rowell’s teacher at Foley High School, recalled traits that won Rowell the region-one competition.

“Students must memorize two poems for the school competition; Tiara has had to include a third poem for the state competition,” she explained. “Each student prepares in different ways; Tiara has worked on areas of delivery, tone, projection, etc. Tiara did very well in the local competition. She has true enthusiasm and I believe she relays this in each of her recitations. The audience relates to her emotional attachment to each poem.”

What is Poetry Out Loud?

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation competition for high school students, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Beginning at the classroom level, winners advance to school-wide competition, to regional competition, to state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. where the winner is awarded a $20,000 scholarship. The Alabama State Council on the Arts, in partnership with the Alabama Alliance for Arts Education and four regional partners, administers the program in Alabama. Mobile Arts Council serves as the region-one partner, coordinating activities in 12 southern counties. More information can be found at poetryoutloud.org.

State Results

First-place winner Sabria While of New Century Technology High School in Madison County will represent the state in the National Finals this April. She will receive an all-expenses-paid trip with an adult chaperone to the finals and $200; her school library will receive $500 for purchase of poetry books.

Ellen Grappe of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa County earned second place, receiving $100; her school library will be given $200.

Three students received honorable mentions: Jackson Hall of Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School in Montgomery County, Jelecia Patterson of Austin High School in Decatur County and Megan Zartman of Auburn High School in Lee County.

Smoke explained that, “Regrettably, Tiara did not win yesterday's finals, but her performance was confident and beautifully expressive. I really thought she belonged up with the top five. But, as in any competition, you can't always predict the judges’ decisions.”

Tiara was one of 6,400 students who participated in Poetry Out Loud this year, with the help of 90 teachers from 25 schools.

Everybody wins

Cirilli and Smoke pointed out that even though Rowell didn’t win the state competition, she and other students certainly won’t walk away empty handed.

Cirilli explained that, “Participating in Poetry Out Loud is definitely a confidence-builder for young people. Win or lose, the experience provides students with a greater understanding of the genre, an outlet for creative expression, and a chance to increase public speaking skills.”

Smoke agreed.

“In-depth study of their poems helps students strengthen their own mastery of language, as they analyze the way the poets have used words and, in many cases, traditional poetic tools such as meter, rhyme and figurative language to convey their ideas clearly and powerfully,” he offered. “It helps them become better communicators. Of course, students improve practical skills, such as the ability to speak before an audience and the ability to memorize. And as poet Dana Goia points, study of poetry develops ‘emotional intelligence,’ giving students access to experiences they may have not had in their own lives and giving them words to describe those experiences and express those emotions.”