Loving the Words in Me

CHOICES High School

It's okay  to be different.  In fact, it's more than okay.  That's a core message that high school students from Choices High School and grade school students from Belden Elementary spoke loud and clear in their "Loving the Words in Me" program.

A unique partnership of students and the Wick Poetry Center (Kent State University) resulted in one-on-one connections between older students and younger counterparts, who were all learning to be comfortable with who they are, and how they learn, and what they want and need to express.  Students met with Wick professionals and each other on a weekly basis to learn the fine art of spoken word.  Together, they crafted ideas into word images that focused on such poetry starting themes as, "You made me..., I am ..., My soul ..."     

Older students who were struggling with identity and leadership issues, learned to be mentors. Younger students who struggled with responsibility and in some cases, reading ability, learned to be confident.  All learned to be friends.  All proved to be poets.

Thanks to a special project grant from ArtsinStark, The County Arts Council, partnerships between schools and community professionals can give voice to many.

Read about more Grants in Action.