Newburgh Free Academy West Campus students put their talents on display through spoken word and art as the school hosted their 2023 Poetry Slam and Art Show on Friday.
The schools’ cafetorium served as both theater and art studio for the event. The Poetry Slam was hosted by juniors, Tyson Hill and Monique May. Students from Dennis Maher and Paige-Lyons’ English classes were selected by their peers and teachers to share their poetry which was performed with a vulnerability and wisdom far beyond their years. Their words poured out their feelings on a myriad of topics including, but not limited to, social justice, personal growth, Women empowerment and Black History.
Students in Nina Jalbert’s ceramics and vocation cooperation classes also created art pieces that featured powerful messages on current societal issues. The talent at the school did not end there with Jalbert’s students who also created poster boards to represent charitable organizations they created based on causes dear to them. They even created websites to accompany their projects.
Students from Noelle Brand’s Digital Studio Art classes created social justice posters that displayed student interests and passions.
Senior, Alaura Williams, closed the show with a beautiful rendition of Rihanna’s single, “Lift Me Up”.
Special guest speaker, Dr. Ebony Green delivered a powerful message to the entire audience in attendance. She encouraged and challenged each individual to be the best version of themselves and to “walk by faith and not by sight”.
