Originating in April 1996 via the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month has been an event celebrating the influence poetry has in our lives and in our culture for almost three decades.
It has become the largest literary celebration in the world with millions of readers, educators, students, librarians, booksellers, and poets underscoring the unfathomable significance poetry has in today’s world. Nancy Dye, former educator of English and history at TCCHS, and Carolyn Wells, another former English educator at TCCHS, reached out to the Todd County Public Library and to the Green River Academy, a non-profit whose goal is to promote the arts, to host a “Poetry Slam” event honoring this important literary genre.
Planned for Thursday evening, April 24, the “Poetry Slam” will take place from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM in the Community Room at the Todd County Public Library located at 507 South Main Street in Elkton. Those in high school or above who wish to read a poem, either one they have penned or a favorite they have, are asked to reach out via the Todd County Public Library’s Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064724827653 ) to let the organizers know the name of the poem as well as the name of the participant and contact info. Participants can also RSVP by calling the Todd County Public Library at 270.265.9071 and providing the information needed. Participants are asked to register by Thursday, April 17, by 5:00 PM ET. To schedule the evening’s readings, the sponsors ask participants send a copy of their poem to library@toddcountylibrary.org. The organizers are hopeful former students of Ms. Dye and Ms. Wells will share their literary talents with the community in honor of National Poetry Month.
Via a Facebook post, Ms. Dye shared, “I am asking any former students consider being a part of the ‘Slam’ by appearing in person on April 24 to read and/or perform your favorite poem or read an original poem you have composed. There are lots and lots of TCCHS graduates who came through our English classrooms and left with at least one poem that meant something to them or who decided to try their own hand at writing poetry.” She also noted Zoom or short videos can be used to bring in other participants who cannot attend in person. She added, “I might dust off some ee cummings and/or Emily Dickinson, and for sure, some Shel Silverstein, or even a few of my own creation!”
Dr. Amanda Hayes, Todd County Public Library Director, stated in a meeting with the former educators she is very hopeful the “Slam” will also serve as an impetus for the public to check out collections of poetry available in the library. Matt Bailey, president of the Green River Academy, emailed, “As the GRA begins this year by reinstating the Green River Academy’s nearly 200-year-old mission of fostering creativity, artistic expression, and academic achievement, sponsoring the ‘Poetry Slam’ feels like a natural extension of that legacy. We look forward to the sense of community and the celebration of creativity this event is sure to inspire.”
Noting baby boomers like herself still have so much to share when it comes to the arts, Ms. Dye messaged, “Todd County has always had a phenomenal amount of talent. I hope many former students will participate in this fun event. So many won district, regional, and state competitions. The older I get, the more I realize that talent just keeps growing .” Admission to the event is free with a donation jar available for those who wish to contribute to the GRA and its mission of rehabilitating the Green River Academy located at 204 Goebel Avenue in Elkton. Light refreshments will be served.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
March 29, 2025
