Northcoast Prep Student To Compete in State Poetry Contest

Press release from Northcoast Prep:

Northcoast Preparatory Academy (NPA) is proud to announce that Sophomore student Acacia Castillo won the Humboldt County Poetry Out Loud contest. On March 10, Acacia will travel to Sacramento for the State Finals. After the State Competition, winners will move on to the National Competition in Washington D.C. in April.

Poetry Out Loud awakens in high school students the confidence to make themselves heard through the use of art, a most powerful tool. “I believe poetry out loud is important as an outlet for students to find their voice and as a tool to help students find meaning and personal connection in poetry,” says Dylan Collins, Humboldt County Poetry Out Loud Poet Coach. He adds that participating in Poetry Out Loud is “an introduction into the hope and support that is created in poetry communities across the country.” “I like being on stage, being out there,” explains winner Acacia Castillo. “I was nervous, but it’s good to overcome stage fright, and I was really motivated because I feel strongly about poetry.”

NPA has participated in Poetry Out Loud for years. For Arny King, NPA History Instructor, it’s all about “the intersection between poetry and performance that is uniquely suited to NPA’s strengths in writing and the performing arts.” There is also long term benefit, as King points out: “The skills acquired from Poetry Out Loud contests pay dividends in college, the work force, and beyond.”

NPA is proud of Acacia who is working hard to represent NPA and Humboldt County well when she competes at the State level in Sacramento on March 10.

Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, administered statewide by the California Arts Council.

NPA is a public charter school. As an International Baccalaureate World School chartered through the Humboldt County Office of Education, NPA is devoted to providing a respectful and inspiring learning environment in which academic achievement and responsible citizenship are valued equally. Visit www.northcoastprep.org.