THE FOLLOWING WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE LIBERATOR VOLUME 26 ISSUE 2 (WINTER 2015)
Valley High School holds a poetry slam twice a year that allows our talented students to share their poems, stories, or even thoughts. Valley students get the opportunity to sit down and listen to other students express their imaginations and creativity in a celebratory format.
This event allows students to connect with one another through artistic expression, and we learn more about each other and the situations we come from. Traditional schools hold assemblies and talent shows, but at Valley, we can share thoughts, feelings, and emotions. That is one of the many things that makes Valley different from other high schools.
Alli Hill, a student at Valley, told us about the experience she had while sharing her poem. Alli said, “I was nervous at the beginning, but at the end, I felt I had or needed to share, and I was glad that I did.” It can be hard for some students to stand up in front of a group of people and read something they wrote or maybe something someone else wrote. The students who took the opportunity to share during the event spoke about how powerful that experience was.
Even teachers shared poetry or stories that they felt connected to. For example, English teachers, Lisa Kolstad, Mindy Dummer, and Jeremie James read poems. James wrote a poem and felt that it was applicable to the students who attend Valley High School. His poem was about how obstacles in life that could break you, make you stronger.
We also have a special guest at every Poetry Slam, and his name is Eugene. He is actually Terry Jensen’s cousin who comes to add some life to the event. He always comes prepared to make people laugh and is a great entertainer.
Creative exploration and expression is one of the most valuable experiences we can have. Students should take advantage of this opportunity. Please feel free to write a piece for the next poetry slam, and don’t be afraid to express yourself.
The Hoot 
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