On Wednesday night, February 27th, eighteen Abbey students competed for the opportunity to represent the School at the state level in the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The boys and girls recited from memory poems ranging from the eras of Elizabeth I and Rudyard Kipling to Mary Oliver and Carl Dennis.

The competition was organized by English teacher and Head of Performing Arts Jay Bragan and was judged by the faculty of Portsmouth's English department, including Head Michael Bonin, Kate Smith, Laureen Bonin, and Corie McDermott, in addition to Jay. Judging was especially tough this year due to the number of talented and well-prepared students who participated.

Following the recital, the judges went to work, measuring and ranking articulation, gesture, and interpretation. Performances were described in turn as "articulate," "moving" "entertaining" and, in one case, "chilling, haunting." Third Former Francesca Bessey's recitation of "Progressive Health" by Carl Dennis was not only amusing in its ironic presentation, but impressive in the sheer volume of memorization that was required. Betsy Waring '09 delivered an excellent rendition of "Altruism" by Molly Peacock, and Katherine Perreira '08 recited Emily Dickinson. Also turning in memorable performances were Marco DiMattino '08, Jo Davenort '08, Janet Lee '09, Natasha Hidalgo'09, Doo Won Choi '10, Victor Ferrero '10, Grace Medley '11, Drake Bonin '11, Ed Kielb '11, and Tiernan Barry '11.

After much deliberation, the judges have named the top four: First Place Caroline Mason '08 for her delivery of "Fever 103" by Sylvia Plath; Second Place Courtney Rutledge '09 with "On Monsieur's Departure", attributed to Queen Elizabeth I; Third Place Kerry Klemmer '09 with Plath's "Fever 103"; Honorable Mention - Ugomma Eze '11 reciting "Forgetfullness" by Billy Collins. Courtney Rutledge will represent Portsmouth Abbey in the state competition to be held in March.

Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest is presented in partnership with the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and VSA arts of Rhode Island. Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. During the months of October 2007 through February 2008, schools are invited to participate in classroom and school-wide contests, advancing to a state competition in March 2008. State champions will advance to the National Finals, to take place on April 28-29, 2008 in Washington, DC.

Congratulations to all of our student participants for a job well done!