NEW GLARUS — On Monday, Nov. 24, New Glarus Middle School celebrated creativity, voice, and storytelling as 8th grade students competed in the 5th annual Poetry Contest, the culmination of their first-trimester unit, “The Poetics and Power of Storytelling.”  The contest showcased original student poems created throughout the trimester, with entries ranging from group performances to individual works.

Throughout the unit, students explored how storytelling conveys a narrative, fosters empathy, and impacts the world around them. They experimented with poetic techniques, crafted multiple original pieces, and collaborated with peers to bring their writing to life. The Poetry Contest offered a genuine platform for students to showcase, share, and celebrate their growth as writers and artists.

English Language Arts teacher Matt Turner, who leads the unit each year, shared his pride in the students’ work and the energy they brought to the contest.  “This event brings out a level of creative passion in our students that is truly inspiring,” said Turner. “They discover that their words matter and that their stories can move people, challenge perspectives, and express something uniquely their own. Watching them step up with confidence and artistry is one of the highlights of our year.”

The event featured a range of poetic styles, including spoken word, narrative poems, and collaborative pieces that blended rhythm, voice, and emotion. Judges recognized students for creativity, performance, originality, and craft.

The Poetry Contest remains a hallmark of the 8th grade experience at New Glarus Middle School, reinforcing the district’s commitment to fostering authentic learning experiences that empower students to communicate with confidence and purpose.

The winners of the competition were:

Individual:

1. Alice Boyle “What I Wish” — A poem about longing for the innocence of childhood

2. Ellie Zimmerman “My Dad” — A poem about the loss of a parent

3. Sadie Mitchell “The Memory of a Goldfish.” — A poem about overcoming judgmental feelings of self-doubt

Groups:

1. Avery Severson, Graycee Andreas, Ella Wearing “The Best Restaurant”  A debate about whether Chipotle or Olive Garden is a better restaurant

2. Lucy Schiro, Leighton Stocker, Ellie Zimmerman “Lights and Shadows”  A discussion about the impacts of screen time 

2. Gavin Anderson, Eli Staff, Townes Hyberger, Ze Cacchione  “Teachers” — A debate about who is the best teacher at NGMS

3. Elsa Ottmer, Leighton Stocker, Rowan Crawford “Mr. Turner’s True Self:  An exploration of Mr. Turner and his teaching style

The second-hour class won the overall class championship.