Jackie Thomsen Advances in Poetry Out Loud

Senior Jackie Thomsen won the Swampscott High School Poetry Out Loud Competition on Wednesday, Feb. 13th, and will represent SHS for the second time in the state competition.

She will compete on Sunday, March 3rd at the Cape Cod Cultural Center in S. Yarmouth at 1 pm.

Jackie will recite "Hysteria" by Dionisio D. Martinzez and "The Statesman" by Ambrose Bierce.  

Wednesday evening was a strong demonstration of poetic poise, articulation, dramatization and talent among the 13 students.

Olivia Forman was runner-up and Anna Hunt came in third place.

The English Department is proud of the students for their celebration of the arts. We will especially miss our seniors who have participated over the past four years: Elana Feldman, Lillie Goldman, Taylorlyn Stephan and Jackie Thomsen.

All participants: Jackie Thomsen, Elana Feldman, Lillie Goldman, Taylorlyn Stephan, Deanna Mazina, Olivia Forman, Maria Travascio, Michelle Shnayder, Anna Hunt, Sara Cunningham and Sarah McRae.

The competition was presented in partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council; the National Endowment for the Arts; Huntington Theatre, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to appreciate poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.  

The Massachusetts champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in April in Washington, DC for scholarships and cash prizes.

This article is courtesy of Swampscott High English teacher Holly Flanagan.