Poetry Slam a Great Event for All

On Friday, May 31, Summit Middle School poets competed in the Poetry Slam.

“It’s personal and emotional—[Poetry Slam competitors] opened themselves, sharing their stories in their poetry, and it reminds you that everyone has their own challenges,” said Jorge Vasquez, Education Foundation director.

Jorge was also impressed with how well-behaved and supportive the student audience was to those on stage. He was also struck by relationships between the teachers and students. “It wasn’t like that when I was in school.” He noticed that during breaks, each teacher was engaged with a student or group of students, and made sure the shy students weren’t left out.

Jovan Mays, author, speaks to students about poetry and helped during the event and has been visiting Summit Middle School since 2018. He has reached millions of students through his program, Your Writing Counts. Author Visits are supported by Alpine Bank, Ramada Inn of Frisco, Education Foundation of the Summit (EFS), and Summit School District.