Poetry has a tendency to scare some high school students away from their English assignments. They often find it frustrating, confusing, and a little odd. But for junior Courtney Jonas, it’s a vessel for creativity and even performing.

Jonas placed first in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, Feb. 18, where other students from the St. Louis region prepared, memorized and recited a poem of their choice. Jonas also received a cash prize and certificate. Next, she will prepare for the state competition held in Jefferson City, March 21.

“I’m very into the arts, so poetry is another way of pursuing my passion,” Jonas said. “I have no idea what to expect in Jeff City, but I’m excited. I’m treating it like an audition.”

English teacher Kim Gutchewsky serves as Jonas’ mentor throughout the Poetry Out Loud competitions. She helps Jonas practice, giving feedback and pointers on her emphasis and emotion when reciting, while also supporting her from the sidelines at the competitions.

“I’m more of cheerleader than a teacher,” Gutchewsky said. “Courtney just gets it. I went with my gut with what she was doing well and just encouraged her to keep it up.”

The poem Jonas plans to recite for the state competition is “Boy and Egg” by Naomi Shihab Nye. For the poem to be eligible, it must be 25 lines or fewer and written before a certain era. Jonas must also make sure her recitation is accurate, meaning no paraphrasing or omission of words.

“At one point we were nervous that my poems were too short compared to the other contestants’ poems,” Jonas said. “But in the end, it didn’t matter as long as I still showed depth within the poem.”

At first, Jonas was drawn to Poetry Out Loud for the extra credit points that would boost her English grade, but she soon learned it was another outlet for performing, something she loves to do.

“I love being on stage, and this was another experience for me,” Jonas said. “To me it’s really similar to acting, where you dissect the material then add emotions and feeling behind it.”

She had the chance to memorize and recite two poems in front of various teachers last year. It was her first experience with Poetry Out Loud.

“I remember I completely forgot one of my poems and just stood still repeating the one line I remembered,” Jonas said. “But I had fun and wanted to try again this year.”

Once she showed interest and decided to compete, Gutchewsky organized a group of judges to gather and evaluate her at a school competition, which she took first place. After the regional competition, she and Gutchewsky are focusing their attention on preparing for the state competition, where Jonas has the chance to win scholarship money.

“Based on the positive feedback from the judges [at regionals], she doesn’t have to change much,” Gutchewsky said. “We’re just going to cling to what she did the first time.”

Regardless of the outcome of the state competition, Jonas hopes to participate in Poetry Out Loud her senior year. It’s a hobby that she has quickly turned into a talent.

“Whatever happens, I know I tried my best,” Jonas said. #