Palmetto’s night of expression

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Students gathered in the Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens and collectively shared and performed in front of an audience of their peers and fellow art lovers at Poetry Night. While their methods of expression varied, with some reciting prose and others performing a musical number, the experience these performers, as well as their audience gained

“It was not really that stressful running it, but publicizing and getting everything organized and working together is the hard part,” senior Christina Vincent said. “In the end everything worked out. I discovered it last year, it’s a really great way for everyone to express themselves, it’s something that’s really special.”

For the past 7 years, Palmetto’s creative writing classes have organized Open Mic Poetry Night four times annually. Poetry Night is entirely student-run and organized and was started by Advanced Placement English and creative writing teacher Jason Meyers.

“Our students create some amazing work and we wanted to create a way to share it with the community and possibly create an appreciation for poetry,” Mr Meyers said.

Many high school-aged writers and musicians lack a way to publish their work and display their talents. Poetry Night provides these students with a creative outlet in an accepting environment.

“It’s terrifying, but also really satisfying,” senior Julia Walsh said. “In high school you rarely get opportunities like this and it’s wonderful to be able to get my poetry out to such a large of people who care. I want people to be able to understand how I feel through the written word.”

A slew of original poetry and songs, as well as renditions of popular songs and pieces of poetry, inspired awe within the crowd. Performers also provided comic relief in the form of humorous poems and witty deliveries.

“Tonight I got the chance to see a coming together of people who appreciate music and poetry and share that love together,” said junior Daniel Pita. “I had a great time performing, the crowd was really receptive and I loved the energy of the place. With performing and music, it’s really become a home to me.”

With turnouts averaging around 220 people, this Palmetto tradition is here to stay. The next Open Mic Poetry Night will be January 28, 2016.