Modern Poetry Showcase

Clarke Central High School Contemporary Literature and Composition student Angel Meza, a junior, performs on stage at Nuci’s Space on Dec. 8. Members of the Contemporary Literature and Composition class came together to perform their creative pieces with proceeds from the event donated to Nuci’s Space to provide mental health support for local artists. “The thing that makes our class special is our genuine connection, we all felt mental health was an important cause and we decided this is where everything (was) gonna go,” Meza said. “I'm just here to pour my poems, sing songs (and) have a good time with my classes, my family, and people I call my friends (along with) Ms. (Grace) Crumpton.” Photo by Aza Khan

Clarke Central High School’s Contemporary Literature and Composition class, created and taught by English department teacher Grace Crumpton was launched this semester and culminated in a Modern Poetry Showcase at Nuçi's Space, on Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

As a first-time elective, the class, which focuses on poetry, was a new experience for Crumpton.

“I’m so glad we have it, I was worried that not enough kids would sign up last year. But, the way it's going this semester, I feel confident that it's going to stay. It's been an incredible experience, I've learned a lot,” Crumpton said.

Students in the class describe it as a comfortable, inclusive community. 

“My favorite part, hands down, has to be the community. Everyone in the class is just so supportive of each other and I think it makes our art better,” junior Emmanuel Thompson, a member of the poetry class, said.

According to junior Danitza Xitlalli Ulloa, the class has helped her find a passion for poetry.

“(Poetry) is calming. I feel like before I didn't really think I could (write poetry), and then once I started the class it made me realize it's something I can do,” Xitlalli Ulloa said.

To celebrate their work this semester, students read poems they had written throughout the course aloud on the Nuçi's Space stage to an audience of CCHS students, faculty, and community members. For senior Eliza Ingle, the showcase was a unique experience.

“I feel really good about showcasing my poetry, it's definitely not an opportunity we get often, so I think it's really cool that Ms. (Grace) Crumpton took the time and effort to organize this for us,” Ingle, a member of the poetry class, said.

Junior Emmanuel Thompson performs a song at the Modern Poetry Showcase event at Nuçis Space on Dec. 8. Thompson was excited for everyone to see the art he and his classmates worked on all semester. “The poetry class has been a blessing honestly, we've just gotten to meet so many new people, and we've learned so much about poetry and created so much poetry,” Thompson said. “I think people will enjoy what we have to present tonight.” Photo by Aza Khan

CCHS Social Studies department teacher Taylor Perrault came to the event to see students read what they've been working on all semester.

“I've seen (the students) succeed academically, but to see them succeed in the arts as well is just amazing. I know that’s a cop-out word, but it really reminds me why I do what I do,” Perrault said.

For Crumpton, the showcase, which also generated donations for Nuçi's Space to provide mental health support for local artists, was a success.  

“None of it surprised me because I've been seeing their excellence all semester, and yet every time, they impress me more. These kids are just amazing. I don't want this semester to be over,” Crumpton said.

As she looks ahead to the future, Crumpton will continue to take a student-led approach to the course.

“I want to keep the class student-led, which means it'll probably be a little different every semester. I'll approach similar concepts but I want them to be directing what we do,” Crumpton said.

Grace Crumpton (left), senior Olivia Daniel (middle), and junior Angel Meza (right) stand with Contemporary Literature and Composition students on the Nuçi's Space stage as Daniel says a few words to close the Dec. 8 event. According to Crumpton, it was crucial to have this performance to both celebrate the students and to donate to charity. “An important part of (the class ) when I pitched (it) was this community service element. They'll always end with an event (like this) and they'll choose a different cause to donate to each time, so it really just depends on the kids in each class.” Photo by Aza Khan

By Ollivia Hendershot