It takes a lot of courage to get up and perform in front of judges but that’s exactly what a talented group of high schoolers did on Tuesday night at the Eastern Utah Regional ‘Poetry Out Loud’ competition held at Uintah High School. ‘Poetry Out Loud’ is a national poetry recitation contest where classroom and school winners can win cash prizes and advance to regional, state, and national competition. ”Students from Uintah and Terra Academy recited two poems from Poetry Out Loud’s catalog of approved poems. Caylie Freidli and Devon Morin represented Terra Academy and Ellaina Merryweather and Adam Semadeni represented Uintah,” shares event organizer and Uintah High School English teacher Kristen Baumgarten. “The students were critiqued on their physical presence, their dramatic appropriateness, their evidence of understanding, and accuracy of the recitation.” Uintah’s Adam Semadeni was awarded 1st place and Terra’s Caylie Freidli was the runner up. Adam received a $150 award and will compete at the state level in Salt Lake City on March 11th. Adam described Tuesday’s competition as both enjoyable and enlightening, emphasizing that he was shocked to be named the winner. His decision to compete came from a place of self improvement. “I chose to compete so I could get over my fear of performing in front of judges,” shares Adam. “I decided to do this hard thing because I try to do the best that I can in every subject. To not compete would be to surrender to my fear and self doubt.” Congratulations Adam Semadeni and thank you for your courageous example!
