By Rachel Van Arsdall/Gator Galaxy Staff

Slam poetry hasn’t been around for long, but once slam took form, it made a major impression. It’s spread around the world and into high schools, allowing kids a creative outlet.

Our own slam poetry team is unlike any other team at North Star. They express themselves in a way that is mesmerizing to everyone, tugging at heartstrings and provoking thought.

Students write and perform original pieces alone or in groups in front of large crowds. Students who participate in the group see slam in different ways, all benefiting them. They see slam as a way of helping themselves.

Junior Serenity Stokes said, “Slam is my therapy and a perfect outlet for me.” Slam allows students to express themselves in a healthy and creative way that isn’t destructive.

“Slam poetry is a way for people to learn how to talk about how they feel and sometimes it helps others too,” senior Katharen Hedges said.

North Star’s poets make performing look easy. They have grace and confidence when on stage. The confidence needed to make a successful slam poet sometimes comes naturally or with a lot practice and pretending. In slam, students learn confidence not only on the stage but for the rest of their life.
Slam poetry affects its writers in more ways than one, all for the better. Students grow as people and writers when on a slam poetry team.

North Star’s team is like no other, and has become a haven for anyone wanting their voice to be heard.