The 2014 Slam Poetry Contestants with poet Javon Mays.
Littleton Public Schools recently hosted its 4th annual Slam Poetry Contest. Each year, students from all four district high schools are given the opportunity to participate in the contest, as well as partake in workshops leading up to the event. Javon Mays, Aurora’s poet laureate, runs the event with his slam poetry community. Students are able to learn from and engage directly with Mays and his slam poetry teammates. This year’s event presented 24 poets to more than 250 attendees and an additional 150 attendees via a live stream.
Designed to give high schools students a safe and fun environment to talk about their thoughts and emotions, the event is a unique type of mental health outlet for the district. Slam poetry by nature focuses on oral interpretation and self -expression—it also requires audience participation. Supported by the schools’ English departments, Mays and his teammates go to each high school to teach the art of slam poetry and to help students refine their work. Mays is recognized for his ability to relate to students. His workshops are open to any student who is interested—even if they choose not to participate in the final competition. Students who compete in the Slam Poetry Contest are able to perform their emotions in a forum that fosters creativity and acceptance. Heard not only by their peers and families, members of the LPS Board of Education and district Superintendent Scott Murphy were in attendance.
Event coordinator and LPS District Wellness Coordinator Robyn Zagoren said, “You are really listening to what our students have to say.” She further expressed that while some of the subject matter may be quite heavy, what the students have to say is truly brilliant, inspiring and brave. Zagoren also expressed how grateful they are to the English teachers who promote the event and to the LPS Foundation which sponsors it. The top three poets from the night were invited to try-out for Mays’ slam poetry team.