The local Poetry Out Loud contest was held at 6 p.m. on Jan.13. Participating students each recited two poems in front of a panel of judges. The competitors were judged on stage presence, accuracy, voice, complexity level and overall performance.

Though some of the competing students were a bit nerve wracked before the contest started, each one gave their presentation.

“At first everyone was so nervous,” sophomore Sang Lee said. “Then they changed.”

Sophomore Elizabeth Emerson was the runner-up of the competition.

“I think it was worth it because even if I didn’t win it was a good chance to try something new,” Emerson said.

Senior Nicole Feyerherm came out on top after reciting “Alone” by Edgar Allen Poe and “Surfaces” by Kay Ryan. Feyerherm will now go on to compete in the regional competition on Jan. 18 in the Trish Davies room at the Hays Public Library. If she will not be able to attend, Emerson will take her place as runner-up.

“I’m really honored and surprised to have won,” Feyerherm said. “I’m really glad I had this opportunity and I’ll see where it goes from here.”

16bmathias@usd489.com