For some, the Poetry Out Loud competition is a dreaded event, simply another English grade. For others, it’s the opportunity to express a passion. Every year as ‘Noles participate in Poetry Out Loud, the best advance to the school-wide competition to determine the school’s winner. This year, that winner is sophomore Kourtney Brooker.

A fifteen-year-old with a passion for poetry and dreams of becoming a poet and educator, Brooker enjoys activities many teenagers enjoy: dancing, singing, and listening to music. Since she was three she has been performing in church; she always had a part in all the church programs.

For the Poetry Out Loud competition, English teachers have their students memorize and recite a poem in front of the class. The best student in each class is chosen to participate in the school-wide competition. Out of those students, the top ten are called back for a second performance and one of those students goes on to the state competition in March.

Brooker said, “When I am reciting poetry I am nervous and in a ‘zone.’ When I first get on stage I am nervous, but then I start to feel the poem and I realize others are as well. Once I have that confirmation it’s on from there!”

The week leading up to the competition was a nerve-wracking one. Brooker’s friend, junior Sharonda Lovett said, “Kourtney was nervous throughout the whole process. As the competition progressed, her anxiety continued to build.”

Though Brooker had made it to the top ten as a freshman, she said the anticipation of performing was intense. To help her through, she draws inspiration and is influenced by her grandmother and mother, and poets such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Elinor Wylie. “Their styles are jazzy, motivating, and encouraging, and I like how they talk about how they overcome in their life,” Brooker explained. She learns from that inspiration, and pours it into reciting.

Junior Jennifer Saporito, who heard Brooker’s performance, said she was amazed. “There was a line in her poem about clapping and the way she said it actually made you want to clap.” She explained.

The performance brought Brooker to the top ten. “I was on the bus when I got the call that I made it to the top ten. I was so happy I started waving my hands in the air and thanking God!” She said.

For the top ten competition, she was the eighth performer, but once she got up there and recited her poems, the wait paid off. Her love and feel for poetry has helped her create her own style, one that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Sophomore Eric Martin said, “Kourtney’s styles are passionate, intense, and realistic.”

Lovett agreed, saying, “I believe Kourtney’s style of reciting poetry is realistic to the poem’s true meaning. Besides being realistic, Kourtney recites her poems in a motivating and passionate tone.”

That unique style will definitely come in handy at the state finals in Tallahassee in March. As Brooker advances, let’s support her and wish her luck!