NFA Main Student Advances to State Finals in Poetry Out Loud Contest

Newburgh Free Academy, Main campus Lelia Walcott advanced to the Poetry Out Loud State Finals this week. Ms. Walcott won second place in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, held at SUNY New Paltz. She will go onto compete in Syracuse on March 9th for the state-wide competition; if she wins there, she will compete in the national competition.  

She beautifully recited "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain, (340)"  and "[I carry your heart with me  (I carry it in]" by E.E. Cummings to take the runner up spot.  

According to their website, Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Since 2005, Poetry Out Loud has grown to reach more than 3 million students and 50,000 teachers from 10,000 schools in every state, Washington, DC, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Congratulations to, Leila!

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!