Newport News Students Celebrate Creativity at Artistic Verses Student Readings

Artistic Verses Contest Winners Recognized for Inspiring Poetry at Awards Ceremony

The Artistic Verses Student Readings and Awards Ceremony was held on February 15 at the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center and was a remarkable celebration of poetic talent and creativity. Students showcased their poetry submissions, reading their heartfelt verses to an appreciative audience. The ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of the place winners and honoured their invaluable contributions to the arts.

Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones attended the event and highlighted the 31-year partnership between Newport News Public Schools and Christopher Newport University (CNU). He emphasized how this enduring collaboration fosters artistic expression and educational growth within the community. Each year, local high school students view an art exhibition and participate in a poetry workshop led by poet Nathan Richardson. They create original poems inspired by the artwork, which are then judged by the NNPS Secondary English Team.

During the event, students read their poems aloud while families viewed the inspiring artwork. The winners of the Artistic Verses 2025 Contest were announced: Cameron Brown from Woodside High School won 1st place for his poem "Candied Candelabra Confinement," inspired by Diadem, while Talasha Daniels, also from Woodside, earned 2nd place for her poem "Whispers of Glass," inspired by "Of whether possible or how to 'lift the world out, and up beyond things that have bodies and walls." Winners received gift cards funded by a grant from the Newport News Education Foundation.

The 3rd place was a tie between Molly Weisiger from Menchville High School for her poem "Mosaic," inspired by Root and Shrub, and Sumyah Tate from An Achievable Dream High School for "Nostalgia," inspired by When Henny lost a penny. Honourable mentions were awarded to Helai Momand from Denbigh High School for "The Rhythm of My Beauty," inspired by Six Beats of My Heart at the Scale of My Body, Ka'liyah Johnson from Warwick High School for "Memories of a Young Girl," inspired by Root and Shrub, Brielle Johnson from Woodside High School for "The Girl in the Mirror," inspired by Mint Green Baroque, and Celeste Hill from Denbigh High School for "Until My Very Last Breath," inspired by Six Beats of My Heart at the Scale of My Body.

This event was a testament to the power of poetry and the importance of nurturing young voices, bringing together students, educators, and community members in a celebration of creativity and collaboration

Editor's Note:

The Artistic Verses Student Readings and Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the powerful influence that art and poetry have on young minds. The event brought together students, teachers, and community members to showcase creative talent. It highlighted the important role art and poetry play in encouraging young voices and fostering creativity. The students' poetry readings, inspired by an art exhibition and led by poet Nathan Richardson, showed their ability to express their emotions and ideas through powerful poems. The winners, who received gift cards funded by a grant from the Newport News Education Foundation, were recognized for their achievements, reminding us of the importance of supporting young artists.

Skoobuzz believes the ceremony serves as an inspiring symbol of hope, creativity, and collaboration, guiding future generations of poets and artists.