Starting Feb. 7, the art of writing takes center stage at McHenry High School with a full week of activities, including talks with authors and the annual Poetry Slam competition.
Writers Week kicks off Monday, Feb. 7 with a Celebration of Words at Upper Campus and an Epic Simile competition at the Freshman Campus. Students are also encouraged to attend the evening presentation with author Courtney Stevens at the McHenry Public Library.
For the Celebration of Words at the Upper Campus, students and staff are invited to come read their own writing or even read a favorite piece by a favorite author. Another Celebration of Words is planned for Friday, Feb. 11 at Upper Campus. Both events will be held in the auditorium during the morning AIM period.
Then on Tuesday morning, Courtney Stevens will be at McHenry High School to talk about her work as an author and her work, including the 2021 Abe Lincoln nominated “Dress Codes for Small Towns.” She’ll visit the Freshman Campus first followed by an Upper Campus presentation.
On Thursday, sophomores will compete in the annual Poetry Slam during periods 1, 2 and 3. Sophomore English students have been working on producing original poetry, and works will be selected by judges to compete in the Poetry Slam.
Then, later on Thursday, there will be an author’s panel of local authors, including Principal Jeff Prickett, English Instructor Dane Erbach, and substitute Instructor Kayleigh Jensen to speak on the writing process.
Gina Nomikoudis, district division chair of English, said she’s hoping the week devoted to writing is a hit with students and continues to grow. The idea is to celebrate the writing process, and involve McHenry High School authors at the same time.
“It will get bigger,” Nomikoudis said.
Nomikoudis said they are also hoping students who missed participating in the Poetry Slam due to COVID-19 challenges will take part in the Celebration of Words events.
