Travis Smillie '17 Wins Laguna's Poetry Out Loud Competition

Out of seventeen reciters in Laguna's tenth and twelfth grades, Travis Smillie was selected the winner for his poem Strange Meeting by Wilfred Owen. The poem is about a soldier in the First World War who makes contact with the spirit of a dead soldier's soul.  (click to see Travis recite his winning poem)

Poetry Out Loud is a high school program which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. High school students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.
 
Congratulations to the following finalists, all of whom are eligible to move on to the SB County competition with Travis on February 4.  
Ethan Katnic, 2nd place
Henry Farrell, 3rd place
Chris Benwitt, 4th place

Coordinator of Laguna's competition--Bojana Hill--praised all the students who participated
 in the recitation contest. "It’s not easy to recite a poem in front of peers...with the spotlight on... but they dared and conquered stage fright!" She adds, "This year, the participants chose long and complex poems. I am pleased to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud assembly/participation at Laguna Blanca School!"
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