On April 23rd, NHP hosted their annual Poetry Night. The event featured many activities including poetry read-alouds from students, music bingo from the ABC orchestra club and various vocal and instrumental performances.
The event was held and organized by the National English Honor Society officers, as well as English Chairperson Dr. Otton. The event was planned weeks ahead and many of the officers reported enjoying the planning process.
“Mr. Otton, the other NEHS officers, and myself wanted to make sure that this year’s Poetry Night would reiterate our previous years’ appreciation for art and literature,” NEHS president Nyelle Sarreal said. “However, we also made it a priority to brainstorm new activities that we haven’t done in the past, such as our scratch-art poems. Being able to take part in such a thoughtful event has truly been a privilege and I really hope everyone there enjoyed the night.”
Poetry night began with students being escorted to the Art Garden for an exploration of nature. Multiple signs were posted throughout with questions for the students to write about in notebooks provided to them. Many felt combining free writing and nature was a calming experience. During this, the ABC orchestra club played music and Christine Ren played the piano.
“I think that Christine’s piano playing evoked emotion out of the crowd,” senior Joey Perricone said. “The art garden was very beautiful and I was really inspired to write while outside with all the beautiful nature.”
The night continued with many games such as poets or pop stars. The groups had to shout out whether they believed the lyric was from a famous poet such as Emily Dickinson and Shakespeare or a modern day pop song. Many called out the right answer and won prizes such as mini animal mochi toys.
“I think community is so important and we need more events where we come together to enjoy feel-good stuff such as the arts,” NEHS advisor Dr. Otton said. “Athletics does a nice job of that but that’s what charges me up. The kids are all sitting there and having fun playing games and being incredibly supportive of the brave poets who got up there and read. One of my students last year said something that really stuck with me: ‘I really love this event, but even more so I’m so happy this event exists.’ Not only does she have fun with it but she recognizes it’s a marker for the type of school and community we have.”
Following the first game, poem read-alouds were introduced from multiple students. Those ranging from junior high to senior year students shared their thoughts they wrote on paper. Topics such as the junior year experience of cramming study sessions and fun with friends outside had the audience relating to their peers and finding comfort during the event.
Orchestra teacher Mr. Kramer led ABC music trivia by having his club members play movie themed songs. Tunes such as “Let it Go” from Frozen and the “Jaws” theme song had the crowd cheering and calling out answers in which the lucky few were awarded butter squishies.
“During trivia night I really enjoyed getting to balance poetry-focused activities like the readings and free-write activities alongside fun activities like doing rapid-fire and table-based trivia,” said junior Nikita Bansal. “It was so fun to get to give out silly prizes like the famous butter and dumpling squishes and to see everyone get excited.”
