AVONDALE — Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy sophomore Julissa Bell was named the winner of the High School’s Poetry Out Loud Competition on Tuesday morning.
Bell will now represent Rutherford County at the state competition in February in Greensboro. Depending on her finish at the state competition, Bell could earn a spot at the national championships.
Bell recited “This is Not a Small Voice” by Sonia Sanchez.
“There were lots of different poems to choose from, but “This is Not a Small Voice” stood out to me because it reminded me of myself and the black culture. I feel that I was able to represent so many voices that don't get heard and explain how deep black voices and love runs. I am so blessed to be able to represent so many of those voices that get silenced or simply overlooked. This was truly an amazing poem and I can't wait to recite more!”
Other students who participated in the competition included Hannah Siviglia, Hunter Plaster, Vivian Tesseneer, Grace Snyder, Kat Shauf, Ava Bridges, Sydney Evans, and Crissa Griffin. Each of the students gave admirable renditions of a poem of their choosing.