On Feburary 22^nd, 2016, MHS sophomore Sarah Baum competed in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Poetry Out Loud is a competition that calls upon students nationwide to recite iconic poems in a new, creative way. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation hold a nationwide search to recognize talented young students each year, and this year one of Marlboro High School’s own competed in the regional competition.

Sophmore Sarah Baum was first picked to represent MHS in the regional competition after undergoing a school-wide competition. After winning, Sarah went on to the regional competition, and performed three poems, including “What You Have to Get Over” by Dick Allen, William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 55”, and “The Lamb” by Linda Gregg. Initially, Sarah went into the completion “feeling nervous”, but found out soon that Poetry Out Loud was a competition unlike any other. Even though Sarah did not win the competition, Sarah still made incredible memories and left feeling inspired to come back again next year. Sarah admitted she left the completion “having met some of the coolest, down to earth, most diverse bunch people I’ve ever come across. We’ve all kept in touch after the competition. It was an incredible experience and I really hope I make it to Regionals next year”.

For any aspiring poets, Sarah believes that poetry in itself “is unfiltered, unstructured and undefined. There is no wrong way to write it or interpret it. Just be authentic and passionate”. Next year, MHS will be holding another competition for anyone interested in competing in the 2017 Poetry Out Loud competition. Contact Mrs. Rivera in room A123 for any questions about the competition!