Poetry Slam Encourages Students to Express Themselves

ANGELYNE CHU

Staff Writer

On March 6, the Alhambra Latino Association (ALA) will be holding the annual cultural event Literatura y Cultura: A Family Affair at AHS to raise funds for scholarships.

The ALA is one of the main support networks in Alhambra. Every year, one student at each high school in the district gets $500 for their college tuition.

One of the main programs being held is the Poetry Slam, which will take place in the Quad and Cafeteria from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will hosted by World History teacher David Jauregui.

“One of the goals for this event is to allow the students to excel in their creativity. They can turn poems from negative to positive and having space to do so has the most impact,” said Jauregui.

The festival includes other workshops, such as musical entertainment, children performances, children’s authors, teacher workshops, storytellers, a book fair and parent corner.

“The Poetry Slam is to let students share their life, or words that can’t be spoken, through poetry. Many students have taken full advantage of this event to share what they want to talk about. It’s a great opportunity where we can all connect with one another,” said Spanish teacher Joshua Moreno.

According to Moreno, the Poetry Slam is not a competition; it is meant to promote poetry so students can share with one another.

So far, there are 14 students who are signed up to present their poetry.

“Last year there were 18 students and that was two hours long. We are limiting Poetry Slam to one hour. We want the audience to be able to take in each poem. Too many students can make the event very rushed,” said Moreno.

Although the Poetry Slam is nearing, some students may still be able to register if they have the desire to participate. All they need to do is speak to Moreno in Bungalow 10.

This year, students are eagerly anticipating this recitation because it will help them voice their hidden feelings.

“This is my first year participating in this festival and I’m really excited about it. This event will let me express my emotions that I’ve kept hidden for so many years now,” said sophomore Rebecca Rojas.

Similarly, sophomore Kristen Hueck looks forward to presenting her poetry.

“My poem is based upon my feelings about an incident I had with my brother. Through my poem, I’m hoping that it will help people if they have burdens hidden also. It’s a once in a life time opportunity. If I [don’t] go and participate, I will probably regret it,” she said.