Leon County Reading Council Middle School Poetry Jam 2011 article
By Bonnie Clawson
The Leon County Reading Council (LCRC) Middle School Poetry Jam was an inspirational success again this
year! The theme was based on Maya Angelou’s poem, “Amazement Awaits,” and everyone in attendance was
amazed by the eloquence, wisdom, humor, and heart displayed with the performances! Held on April 28th, 2011
and hosted by Florida State University Schools (FSUS), students from across the county astounded the audience
with performances of heartfelt original poems and creative recitations of previously published poems. There
were a wide variety of participating schools, including 100 Success Academy, Florida State University Schools,
Imagine School, Maclay School, Montford Middle School, Pace School, and Stars Middle School! All
participants received lovely certificates of participation and the winners received trophies, medals, and prizes!
Winners in the Original Poem Category:
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First Place: Dominique Jackson, 100 Success Academy
Poem Title: Misunderstood
 Second Place: Shawn Morancy, Pace School (not pictured)
Poem / Rap Title: The Best We Believe – Leon County
 Third Place: Thaddrick Hudson, 100 Success Academy
Poem Title: Fly
Winners in the Recitation Category:
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
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First Place: Delaney Watson and Cody Andrews (partner recitation), Florida State University Schools
Poem Title and Author: The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes
Second Place: Brandon Boggis, Florida State University Schools
Poem Tile and Author: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
Third Place: Megan Elizabeth Smith, Imagine School
Poem Title and Author: Mother to Son by Langston Hughes
Photo courtesy of Daniel Clawson
Left to right, Linda Guy, Co-President of LCRC, Thaddrick Hudson, Brandon Boggis, Megan Elizabeth Smith,
Cody Andrews, Bonnie Clawson, Coordinator of the LCRC Middle School Poetry Jam, Delaney Watson, Beth
Freeman, Co-President of LCRC, Dominique Jackson (Shawn Morancy, not pictured)