Junior, Annie Parnell, won the annual Poetry Out Loud competition this year on the grounds of two excellent readings. The competition consists of students memorizing and reading aloud poems to judges who choose a student to represent GM in the state competition. Contestants are judged upon physical appearance, voice/articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, and overall performance.
Parnell recited “At Last the New Arriving” by Gabrielle Calvocoressi and “August 12 in the Nebraska Sand Hills Watching the Perseid Meteor Shower” by Twyla Hansen. Parnell received loud applause following both her readings, but it was her rendition of Hansen’s “Meteor Shower” which stood out. Spoken quietly and sweetly, Parnell’s voice helped to transport the whole theater to the Nebraska sand hills. Parnell’s stage presence and passion were evident, and she commanded the audience’s attention.
“It was really exciting to win. All of the performances this year were very strong, and I was thrilled to be a part of the competition overall!” said Parnell.
Parnell will be advancing to the state finals to compete against other winning high school students from Virginia for a spot at the national competition. In the event that she is incapable to attend, the runner up, Grace Keenan, will take her place.
Another stand out recitations included second-place finisher Grace Keenan (freshman) whose poems, “Blackberrying” by Sylvia Plath and “[i carry your heart with me (i carry it in]” by E.E. Cummings, were intense and enjoyable to listen to.
“If I start to feel nervous about public speaking, I try to turn that into excitement. I just tell myself, ‘Your voice matters. Don’t feel like you need to be silenced.’ ” said Keenan.
This year’s other performers was senior Mary Catherine Donovan, juniors Tina Dao, Andrea Dilao, Manon Diz, sophomore Jaden White, and freshman Shannon Rodgers.
The event also featured music from the GMHSs Jazz Ensemble. Senior Sabine Wills stole the show with her vocals on Skyfall, delivering a performance that would have made Adele proud. Sophomore Peter Haensel rocked the stage with impressive saxophone solos, joined by fellow saxophonists Guthrie Edson (senior) and Neal Marshall (junior).
