Shoreham-Wading River High School students continue to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and have a fun and creative outlet to aid in those abilities. The Poetry Out Loud event was recently held at the school, hosted by English teachers Jennifer Nazer and Sara Trenn.

The national poetry recitation contest encourages high school students to memorize and recite or perform real poems while learning about literary history and contemporary life. The students work with a preselected list provided by Poetry Out Loud. They are evaluated based on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, overall performance and accuracy.

Junior Isabelle Scherl took first place with her reading of Roisin Kelly’s “Oranges.” Isabelle was a state finalist last year in the competition. Senior Andrew Wicks recited “Long Island Sound” a poem by Emma Lazarus. Third place went to sophomore Emily Ingrassia for her recitation of Kara Jackson’s “The world is about to end and my grandparents are in love.”

As the school’s semifinalists, Isabelle and Andrew were slated to attend the Feb. 7 contest at Stony Brook University. Andrew is involved in the high school’s student-run production that evening, allowing Emily to serve in his place.

Date Added: 1/13/2025