By Nikki Burkhamer
Examiner Contributor
Several participants competed in a Youth Poetry Jam July 16 at the Knowlton Library of Bellefontaine, where the youths presented their poetry aloud in front of judges.
Their performance is key to their presentation, and the poets are charged with bravely sharing their poetry with the emotion necessary to convince the judges to give them their highest marks.
Five categories were provided for their talented works, such as: Love, Nature, Whimsy, Lyrical, and Miscellaneous. Each category has first, second, and third place winners. The first-place winners from each category go on to compete for Poetry Jam Champion.
The biggest of those winners was Emma Smith, the 2024 Poetry Jam Champion. A fifth-grader at Bellefontaine Intermediate School, she brought four poems with her to compete in this year’s Jam. She is a daughter of Nate and Kate Smith.
After winning, Emma said, “I think winning the Poetry Jam is so awesome because I went into it nervous, thinking that all the other competitors would be better at poetry than me.
“By participating in the poetry jam, I learned that being a writer takes confidence and perseverance, and everybody should give it a shot. Don’t be afraid to do things that make you nervous.”
Beverly Arlequeeuw, the director of the Logan County Libraries, was on the judges panel. She was thrilled to see the young poets shine at the Logan County Libraries’ Poetry Jam.
“It was amazing to hear their unique perspectives and styles through their poetry. I’m incredibly grateful that the library was able to provide them with a creative outlet and a safe, supportive space to explore their writing talents through our summer program – Writer’s Rule, led by Nikki Burkhamer.
“As a judge for the event, watching them recite their poems was an absolute joy. In my book, everyone was a winner.”
Mandee Lamb, also a Poetry Jam Judge, is a published poet, whose poems can be found in more than one published book.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to judge the Poetry Jam. It was so much fun. It was so cool to get to see the incredible talent that the young poets have. Their work was absolutely amazing, and I hope to see more of it in the future.”
West Liberty-Salem student Rosemary Sokolow, daughter of Dan Sokolow and Hope Justice, received second place at the event.
“I wasn’t expecting it, I was little bit uptight, because everyone was nervous. I’ve always been told that I am gifted at writing, but I didn’t think that would be the case when I was writing poetry.”
Linda Yoest, also a judge and a many published poet, said, “I was honored to be asked to help judge the 2024 Poetry Jam Contest. What talented young wordsmiths.
“Each poem was unique and personal to its author, and all of the poets presented their poems with poise and grace. It is my sincere hope that each of them continue to write and enter poetry contests. The Poetry Jam Contest was quite an enjoyable event.”
Next year’s poetry jam planning is in the works. Check the Logan County Libraries’ website for more information.