Youngsville High School's Project Ignition hosted a Poetry Slam on Friday in the school library. The theme for the event was "Living Life to the Fullest and Stay Alive Keep your Eye on the Prize Distracted Driving." This event was open to all students in grades 9-12 which allowed them to enter a poem or a piece of artwork. English teachers Alice Nichols and Char Eggleston hosted this event.
The contest was judged by a panel consisting of Chief Todd Mineweaser, Kim Angove, Assistant Principal Misty Weber and Chris Bost. The poems were rated on length, creativity, presentation, preparedness and practice. The first place winners for the poetry contest were Bobby McCoy and Max Lalwani. This prize consisted of a year membership to AAA and a plaque donated by AAA. Second place was presented to Alex Burdette, which consisted of a free pizza. Colin Josephson was the third place winner, who also won a free pizza. One group chose to make a commercial which earned an honorable mention. Ashley McLaughlin, Kelly Cindrich, Sarah Kays, and Tim Snavley created the commercial "Don't Text and Drive." This clip is available for viewing on Facebook.
Two senior groups consisting of Patrick Hoover, Joe Kellog, Alex Burdette, Alex Morris, and Ashley McLaughlin chose to entertain the audience with music, which was well received. Students voted on the 41 artwork submissions during their visits. These consisted of photographs, paintings, and drawings. The winning artists were Devon Gruver (first place); Jared Camp (second place); and Heather Thomas (third place). These students each earned prizes as well. Andy Lalwani and JR Yost created artwork which was selected by Chief Mineweaser to be framed and hung in the new Youngsville Borough Building, commemorating the event.
The YHS Poetry Slam was aimed to bring culture and awareness toward the dangers of distracted driving. The room was set up for students to enter, browse, and then sit on the floor. "Snapping" was heard throughout the room when a presentation ended, which was the appropriate response during a Poetry Slam. SADD and Eagle's Eye ran a caf which served nonalcoholic mock cocktails and treats. The "mocktails" were designed through a contest designed by SADD and Project Ignition. Amanda Lewis entered the winning "mocktail", which was served that day. She was awarded a $25.00 gift certificate.
National Youth Leadership Council and State Farm Insurance Co. are sponsors for Project Ignition and AAA was sponsored the YHS Poetry Slam.