(PNAN) – “The Council is proud to support Poetry Out Loud because it challenges students of all levels to discover their own unique voices and to express themselves in a meaningful way,” said Arts Council Chair Sharon Burton Turner. “Year after year the passion, commitment and talent the students bring to the poems is remarkable. We know the skills they’re honing through this program will serve them throughout their lives.” Teachers from all New Jersey public, charter, private and parochial high schools, including home associations are encouraged to participate and register by Thursday, November 18 at: www.jerseyarts.com/pol.
“Performing the works of revered poets was an unparalleled honor that mobilized me to begin writing from my own perspective,” said last year’s NJ POL State Champion Shamsuddin Abdul-Hamid of Newark. “POL built up my confidence and allowed me to combine my love of spoken word and theatre. Most importantly, POL gave me a voice and allowed me to be heard. It was truly the best moment of my life.”
Last year more than 300,000 teens nationwide participated in Poetry Out Loud and in New Jersey more than 17,000 students from 82 high schools and one home school association took part. The program encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which helps them master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about our literary heritage.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts sponsors NJ Poetry Out Loud and works closely with a network of partners to maximize the impact of the program. Program partners include Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs, Two River Theatre, the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, Discover Jersey Arts, and New Jersey Network.