Poetry Café 2012

This year's poetry café was better than ever, bursting with talent from both the young and the seasoned. As always, the room was packed full with students, faculty, family and friends- all prepared for a wonderful art-filled evening.

We were delighted first by poetry from Professor Kraimer, who gave our contest winners a few tips on preforming the written word. Up next was Sammi Riggs, a student who was unable to enter the contest because she is an employee at Willis Music (one of the prize sponsors). Nevertheless, Sammi entertained us with some beautiful original music that she played effortlessly on her guitar.

The College Poetry Contest winners were then welcomed to the stage. In second place was Ashley Ryan with her poem "West Memphis Three." Cleaning up shop was Ali Edwards, who not only won first place but also received third place and an honorable mention. Her unique style of performance and her beautiful writing makes her a most deserving winner.

Up next were the winners of the College Song Writing Contest. Their performances ranged from sweet love songs to impressive rap renditions. For instance, Jamie Farris (who won first place for his song "Sunny Babe") invited Sammi Riggs up to the stage to perform a sup for the moment duet that was superbly improvised.

Jamie's musical partner, Jacob Fortner, who won an honorable mention, performed his wonderful rap "Rocky," which really got the crowd going. No stranger to the stage, Ali Edwards performed a beautiful song entitled "Monster" which won second place. Kevin Koehler, another honorable mention, performed a few of his well-written original songs, including a beautiful one named "Rainy Day."

The High School Poetry Contest Winners came second to last. Though most of the students were unable to attend, their teachers Claudia Skutar and Richard Hague were able to read their poems for them. The first place winner, Lou Suer, however, was present to read his hilarious and witty poem "Between Room 20 and 25." This poem, which was wonderfully read, was a list of excuses for being late including things like: "my watch let out the time...Hamlet stabbed me through a curtain...A minotaur was sacrificing children in the hallway..." among others.

Last, but most certainly not least, famous poet Bea Opengart enchanted us with her many of her beautiful poems and finally an informative Q&A session afterwards.

Overall, this years Poetry Café was a wonderful joy to attend. It's really great to see so many talented people not only around the school, but in all walks of life who are pursuing art and a deeper understanding of the world around us.