Sixteen 8th grade poets at Kiefer Junior High have been selected for publication in the fall 2016 edition of Creative Communications’ A Celebration of Young Poets.
They are Jarrett Buntin, Kevin Claybrook, Jacob Clayton, Kourtney Davis, Taylor Dunn, Zach Hathaway, Trent Hoover, Megan King, Ranger Long, Maverik Parker, Shelby Rader, Jennifer Tabor, Kirsten Tuttle, Kalyn Venable, Garrett Webster, and Bianca Worley.
Language arts teacher Lorrie Quinnelly required all 8th graders to participate in the contest, sponsored by Creative Communications.
“Poetry is an expression of emotions at its base core,” she said. “In ancient times, it was the vernacular of the common people, a way they could share their feelings, remember their history and ancestry, mourn their losses. I make my students get involved because it shows their deepest emotions, and it’s good practice.
“We read and write poetry purposely. There are some students who will express themselves in a poem in ways they cannot in any other form of writing. If those are not exposed to it, they never learn that it is cathartic for them.”
Creative Communications selects less than 50 percent of students who enter for publication. Those who are chosen feel it is an honor. Though the company sells copies of the hardback book, students do not have to purchase a book to be published.
“I didn’t really think my poem was going to be published, but when I found out, I was excited, and so was my family,” said Zach Hathaway, one of the chosen 8th graders.
Other poets had similar comments.
“I was excited,” said Venable. “I didn’t think I was going to get published.”
The books will be available in April.
Featured Image: Eighth graders whose poetry has been selected for publication include, from left, Shelby Rader, Kirsten Tuttle, Megan King, Jennifer Tabor, Taylor Dunn, Zach Hathaway, Kalyn Venable, Jarrett Buntin, Bianca Worley, Garrett Webster, Ranger Long, Jacob Clayton, Maverik Parker, and Trent Hoover. Not pictured are Kourtney Davis and Kevin Claybrook.
