The Poetry Out-Loud competition this weekend is reserved for finalists who have leaped forward past their peers in classrooms, auditoriums, and lecture halls in being able to orate the beautiful poems of our society. For the first time in Oliver Ames High School history, a student has been picked to go to the state finalists.
“I am ecstatic to be OA’s first State Finalist. It feels surreal, to be honest. I had walked into the semi-state competition with the anticipation of “You’re not going to make it,” just to mentally prepare myself for defeat had things played out the same way they did the previous year. It’s amazing to know that all of my hard work has paid off and has brought me to this amazing place,” said Zuleica Monteiro, a senior at Oliver Ames.
“I am very excited to move on, but I am also very nervous. As the first OA student to make it through, I am walking into uncharted territory and fear of the unknown is definitely taking hold me of me. I am hoping that the competition is very similar to what I have already experienced.”
To prepare for the competition, Mrs. Marani, the Poetry out loud coordinator had Zuleica practice continuously, even by giving speaches in the auditorium in front of three english classes. The candidates for Poetry Out Loud must be able to orate the poems reserved for those who excell in articulation and syntax while also using their body language to convey their emotions.
“I feel very proud that we’ve persevered throughout the years”, said Mrs. Marani. “We’ve made her face more challenges ahead of time…It has made all the difference in preparing her.”
Mrs. Binney, Ms. Coffman, and Ms. Paulino prepared and supported Zuleica during her time with Poetry out Loud.
“I am extremely proud of her,” said Mrs. Coffman, the English Department head at Oliver Ames.
The Poetry Out Loud competition will be help at the Old South Meeting House in Boston, MA. The address is stated below.
310 Washington Street, Boston MA