Related Photos

• 
  Poetry SLAM performers eagerly await the final results at the DDSB’s 5th Annual Poetry SLAM.

Students battle it out at the 5th Annual Poetry SLAM

On May 2nd students from across Durham gathered for the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) 5th Annual Poetry SLAM.  

Ajax HS, Dunbarton HS, GL Roberts CVI, O’Neill CVI, and Pickering High School all brought teams and fans to compete for the coveted Poetry SLAM trophy. The level of poetry and performance for this year was unprecedented, resulting in a shift in perspectives for many in the audience.

This year’s event showcased the most talented spoken word artists in a competition format. DDSB students bravely and eloquently shared their poems for the chance to win the SLAM trophy and bragging rights. This is no ordinary poetry reading, but an electrifying competition that has audience members fully involved in what their peers share on stage.

“The students, as always, bravely shared what is in their heads and their hearts. The good news is that our kids are alright. They are socially and politically aware and have the moral strength to look after what will need to be done when they are older and in charge of the world,” says Karen Papadopoulos, event organizer, and Head of Library at Dunbarton High School.

This event is much more than a poetry reading, it has an inclusive and insightful vibe that has the audience members encouraging and cheering on participants, snapping fingers, and providing judges with help on their scoring.

Next year’s event will take place on May 7th, 2019 with school teams already planning to attend.