One by one the high school students recited their personalized, heart-felt words with soul. Instead of being nervous, they delivered their clever spoken word poetry with attitude and grace. Instead of applause, the sound of finger snaps filled the audience after each performance. The teachers were amazed. The parents were proud. The students felt accomplished as they just participated in the Memphis Grizzlies Third Annual Poetry Slam Tip Off presented by Southwest Tennessee Community College. Grizzlies forward Quincy Pondexter hosted the event on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at White Station High School. Pondexter shared a poem, encouraging the students to “Be Great!” which is also the theme for this year’s slam.
“The performances were awesome,” said Pondexter. “It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of your classmates and recite words from your soul. When your poetry is flowing, it’s filled with a lot of feelings and emotions. I commend each student.”
The Poetry Slam Tip Off featured over 25 students from White Station High School. The students recited original poetry, judged on their ability to articulate, poem topic and eye contact.
“Poetry comes from the heart. You can’t fake it. I was honored to be able to be here listening to the students flow about their past experiences. Turning words into art,” said Pondexter.
J’Taime Weaver, a junior at White Station High won the Tip-Off event. Now, she looks forward to moving on to the Finale where she will compete against the best of the best in the city.
The Poetry Slam Tip-Off is the first of many school level slams slated to start this month in over 20-area high schools. Poets will combine creativity with composition as they compete for the opportunity to perform at the Poetry Slam Finale on December 9 at Southwest Tennessee Community College, Macon Cove Campus. The first place winner of the Finale will win a full scholarship to Southwest Tennessee Community College and an all-expense paid trip for the winner and a parent to New York City during Spring Break.
In addition to the spoken word contest, students will also be able to submit original works of art from each school level competition into the Finale to also win a full scholarship to Southwest Tennessee Community College.
Schools that are interested in participating in the Grizzlies Poetry Slam should contact Tim Jordan, Coordinator, Community Investment, Memphis Grizzlies at 901.205.1259 or at tsjordan@grizzlies.com.