Students find out that their voice really matters.

I actually saw kids in my class writing, just writing their thoughts. I think it had a big impact on them.

It's an incredible creative outlet.

Once they taste that success in one avenue, they want to find out what's the next challenge they can take on.

It's not too good to be true!

It feels great that you can write down how you feel.

Coming here and reading your poem in front of all these people, lets you know that you're doing something right.

It just made poetry easier for me.

The contest brought a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to our students, particularly for writing. And it's always a struggle to get middle school students to want to write.

As we sat in the audience, we could feel the words and the emotions touch us personally. That takes a special talent.