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Receive a presentation from Poetry Out Loud on the program and this years' Poetry Out Loud winner
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board receive a presentation from Poetry Out Loud on the program and this years' Poetry Out Loud winner.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Launched in the Spring of 2006 Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and state arts agencies. Poetry Out Loud is a contest that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.
The Benicia Poet Laureate Program has partnered with the Solano County Arts Council and The Benicia Public Library, through collaboration with the national and state program, to present Poetry Out Loud to Benicia High School students. This is the third year that Benicia High School and Liberty High School participated in this event. Benicia's two high schools are the only schools in Solano County to compete thus far.
Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure that starts at the classroom level. Winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals.
Ten Benicia High School Students competed February 9th at the Benicia Library. Winner Kimberlee King recited "The Secret Garden" by Rita Dove and "To the Ladies" by Lady Mary Chudleigh. Runner-up Rachel Roberts recited "These Poems, She Said" by Robert Bringhurst and "Larkinesque" by Michael Ryan. Miss King competed in Sacramento on March 25 for the state championship.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No financial impact is associated with this item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION