Kaelin Ta and Keeley Cozza were a little nervous when they were called out of class at Falcon Creek Middle School on Oct. 4. Even more so, when they walked into a conference room and found their principal, their parents, two of their former teachers, and several school staff members.
“You’re not in trouble,” one of the adults said with a smile.
Rather than being reprimanded, the seventh-graders were recognized for their work as poets.
“On behalf of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS), the ‘Poetry in the Classroom Award,’ grade six through eight, Second Honorable Mention, for a poem titled ‘Summer,’ goes to Keely Cozza!” announced Carla Jordan, NFSPS contest chairperson.
Cozza then read her poem, which magically transported listeners to a peaceful place on a warm summer day, where they could almost taste a popsicle melt in their mouths.
“I like poetry because you can write about anything you want to write about and you can get really creative and you can put down your thoughts and feelings,” Cozza said.
Next, Jordan announced that Ta had earned second place in the Poetry in the Classroom contest, for her powerful piece titled Bullying.
Bullying by Kaelin Ta
Will you turn your head when a student is being
picked on? Will you laugh or record?
Sure, someone else might help.
Is that a risk you are willing to take?
There’s more to bullying than words and violence.
Will you stick up for those who can’t?
Eventually kids won't come to school.
They’ll give up, they’ll retreat.
But you could be the difference,
You could help them see that there’s a better tomorrow.
These kids will disappear into darkness,
and bullies will continue their relentless attacks.
Will you rise up and take a stand?
Or will you continue to observe the agony these kids undergo?
If you don’t make a change,
Some will be too far gone to be saved.
Say nothing and nothing changes.
Neither student knew their work had been entered in the national contest. Last year, during their language arts classes, they had the opportunity to work with Julie Cummings, a former Falcon Creek teacher and member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. She was so impressed with their poems she entered them on the students’ behalf.
Middle and high school students who enjoy writing poetry can get more information about NFSPS contest opportunities by visiting NFSPS.net and selecting "Student Contests." Currently, the Manningham contest is open for submissions. This contest is open to students in grades 6-12 and includes cash prizes and publication. Contact Julie Cummings at president@columbinepoetsofcolorado.com for information about student poetry opportunities.
Congratulations to poets Kaelin Ta and Keeley Cozza!
Posted 10/10/2023.
