Rocky Run Middle to Host 'Poetry Slam'

Rocky Run Middle School students will show what they know about writing in a Poetry Slam Wednesday.

The Poetry Slam, now in its sixth year, features work from eighth-grade students, said Rocky Run teacher Heather Hogue. In the first round, students voted on the best poem written by a student from each English class.

Winners of that round have moved on to Wednesday’s poetry slam, which features one representative from each English class. The first place winner of that competition will win a $50 gift certificate. 

Student submitted either serious or humorous poems.

“Topics include relationships… Several of them write advice poems like why not to procrastinate. Some have written poems about how much they hate writing poems,” Hogue said.

In addition to the slam, a Poetry Fest will also take place Wednesday evening. The fest includes an open mic event.      

“We use that to balance the competitive nature of the slam just so students know they can enjoy poetry for poetry’s sake,” Hogue said.

The Poetry Slam takes place at 3 p.m., the Fest takes place at 7 p.m. at Rocky Run Middle School, 4400 Stringfellow Road. The event typically draws parents, but the community is also welcome to attend, Hogue said.