For over 10 years, the YRDSB Poetry Slam Competitions have been showcasing the creativity, resilience and voices of students through the power of spoken word poetry.
From humble beginnings with a few high schools in 2012, the poetry slam now includes elementary schools as well and has become a platform for students to express themselves, and share their stories and their perspectives on the world around them.
"It was amazing to see you know how the young people responded, how the teachers responded, and just how they embraced this opportunity to speak and share and to give their take on the world that we live in," said Dwayne Morgan, spoken word artist.
"As I look back, I am first of all delighted that it has lasted this long," said former Associate Director of Education Cecil Roach. "But I sort of knew it would last as long ... because poetry is not just language, it's not just tone and tenor, it's also about a reflection of your soul, a reflection of who you are, your true self."
"I didn't like public speaking until I found spoken word poetry, and I think it changed the trajectory of my life," said Hannah Flores, a YRDSB graduate. "I think it opened up so many more doors for me. And outside of that, just as a person, I feel so much more self-assured and confident in who I am. And knowing that what I have to say is important, I think has been such a crucial thing in my life."
Learn more about the spoken word competition and what it means to the adults who support it and the students who have participated over the years.