More on Poetry Out Loud!

Heather asked in a comment about how G did at the state competition...so here's the update:

I want to start by saying that I could not be more proud of my student. The other competitors were excellent and the pressure was certainly there. He did not move on to the final round, but he did a great job and can be personally proud of his performance.

My husband accompanied me to Raleigh, where the event was held at the NC History Museum. It was so well done! They really did a fantastic job of not only hosting, but educating the students and audience and making the students feel at ease. There were sound checks and practice times and time to relax and focus. My husband isn't a literary person really, and he enjoyed every moment of the event. It was really a fun time.

And the students were phenomenal! I was so impressed with each one.

As for my worry that I was not preparing G properly-- well--I'm not so worried about that anymore. He was right where he needed to be and he hopes to compete again next year!

It was painful when G found out that he was not moving on. I could see his face, which I now know so well and I could see his disappointment. But on the following Monday, when he came to school, an amazing thing occurred...G came to school wearing his dress shoes, pants, shirt and tie (that we had helped him pick out with the assistance of his mother) and his certificate in hand and showed all the students his achievement. Here I was worried that he would be upset or depressed! He was proud of himself! I breathed a sigh of relief and we posed for a picture together. A great end to this year's POL!