GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Gerstell Academy Students Compete in Poetry Out Loud Competition

Gerstell Academy proudly hosted its annual Poetry Out Loud (POL) competition on Thursday, November 13, giving Upper School students an opportunity to strengthen their public speaking skills and deepen their appreciation for influential literary works. Participants included Junior Sasha Vishnayokov and Sophomores Corey Graham, Ayo Fatile, and Savannah Devers, each performing two poems selected from the Poetry Out Loud anthology of more than 1,200 pieces. 

The event took place in the boardroom of Robert E. Smith Hall, offering a formal setting where students were challenged to deliver their recitations with clarity, conviction, and emotional authenticity. As part of Gerstell Academy’s leadership curriculum, public speaking remains a central focus—empowering students to communicate confidently and purposefully in front of any audience. 

According to Poetry Out Loud guidelines, recitations are judged on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, and overall performance. Through preparation, students closely analyze each poem—carefully considering tone, meaning, pacing, emphasis, and audience connection—to bring the selected works to life with sincerity and depth. 

English Department Chair Ms. Cara Meekins reflected on the importance of this program: 
“Poetry Out Loud is a great opportunity for students to interact meaningfully with influential texts. Effectively reciting poetry, truly bringing it to life before an audience, requires critical thinking skills and a deep level of sincerity. Equipped with their advanced public speaking skills, Gerstell students have been able to compete at a high level, consistently making it to the state finals over the past 7 years.” 
 
Gerstell Academy students have a strong history of success in the Poetry Out Loud Maryland competition, regularly advancing to the state finals over the past several years. The nationwide program, launched in 2005, has reached more than 4.4 million students from over 20,000 schools, emphasizing its remarkable impact on academic and personal growth. 

As the winners from Gerstell Academy advance toward regional and state competitions, the Poetry Out Loud experience continues to inspire leadership, critical thinking, and creative expression. By embracing the power of language and performance, students develop valuable communication skills that strengthen both intellectual confidence and artistic voice.
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