Shout-Out

Junior Alexandra Stefanis was named winner of Stratford’s 2018 “Poetry Out Loud’’ competition on Friday.

Alexandra was one of five finalists who returned to the stage of the Henry Tift Fine Arts Auditorium during break on Friday. The others were Carolynn Dromsky, Anna Kate Alford, Ellie Wangerin and Shawn Shivdat. Ten students participated in Thursday’s first round.

“I was really excited when I found out that I won the competition,’’ Alexandra said

She said she has been rehearsing her poem to her mother and English teacher Dr. Ann Dromsky for the past couple of days to perfect her performance.

The poem she recited is “Poor Angels” by Edward Hirsch.

“There is a lot I can relate to which is why I love this poem. What really calls to me is the nighttime imagery and he voice is the voice I wish I had as a writer,’’ she said.   “My mom chose my poem for me. We were down to two and I took this poem to Dr. Dromsky. We decided this poem allowed more room for interpretation and being dramatic. I love to be dramatic.’’

Alexandra now advances to the “Poetry Out Loud” district competition.