Calling all writers, big and small, old and young. This year, our school is doing something new. It is called Lit Slam and will be on December 4, during DEN Time and in the evening for parents to attend. Actually, everyone can attend and hear our writers throughout the school share their love of words.
Lit Slam is an amazing conference where any aspiring writer can present. Students, faculty and staff are invited to celebrate their words on stage. Anyone is welcome to attend, and a hospitality room will be available for writers, offering good snacks and drinks.
During Den Time, on December 4 and again at 6 p.m. in the auditorium, the first-ever Lit Slam at North Point High School will take place. From short poems to essays, to short stories to long novels, all forms of literature are acceptable and are worth sharing, as long as the parts read are under five minutes.
If you are a writer, you may fill out the Google form to sign up. Those chosen to participate may read any type of literature. If the piece they choose is long, they may pick a favorite section, five minutes max. The entire presentation will last about an hour and a half and will include a Keynote Speaker at both sessions, which will be held in the auditorium.
“I received a grant from the WSD Foundation for Lit Slam, so I am hoping to use the money for a Keynote Speaker, awards and a hospitality room,” English teacher Ms. Sydney Swanson said.
Ms. Swanson’s English III classes are organizing the event, finding keynote speakers, deciding the awards, promoting the event, and some of them will also be presenting at Lit Slam.
While writers are presenting, their work will be turned into art for all to enjoy.
“We will have a big canvas, and I’ll get some of the Advanced Art kids to make artwork that goes along with what the speaker is saying,” art teacher Mrs. Stephanie Kinnison said.
The canvas will be put on display for all to see outside of the hospitality room, where writers can mingle while waiting to go on stage or after their performance. The hospitality room will have snacks and beverages available for writers.
Creative writing teachers and other English teachers hope to inspire their students to appreciate and celebrate their words.
“It is already very challenging to get teenagers to share in class, so it’s even more challenging to get them to talk in front of a lot of people,” English literature teacher Mrs. Angela Rechtien said. “However, it could be rewarding for them to share their work with others. Also, there will be free food, which always motivates teenagers.”
Hopefully, students will be brave and spread their love of writing with our school.
If you are an aspiring writer and you are interested in signing up to present at Lit Slam, fill out this form, and be ready to share your writing with the world.