Rain did not stop the Julius Sokenu Poetry Awards celebration on April 25. While the inclement weather forced the event to move from Julia deBorgos Park in Willimantic to the Windham Middle School auditorium, the change in venue did not dampen the quality of the student poetry that was honored.
The following students read their winning poems during the evening, followed by the honored guest poet Joseph Bruchac.
Poetry in English
1st Place Molly Cumberland, Chaplin
2nd Place Genie Johnson, Woodstock
3rd Place Sarah Deneault, Thompson
Hon Mention Laura DiCarlo, North Grosvenordale
Poetry in Spanish (Heritage Speakers)
1st Place Janirelis Santiago Cancel, Willimantic
2nd Place Analia Correa, Danielson
Poetry in Spanish (Non-Heritage Speakers)
1st Place Annie Hill, Brooklyn
2nd Place Shelly Dumont, Moosup
3rd Place Aurora Dziadul, Griswold
Hon Mention Marrisa Herring, Brooklyn
Performance Poetry
1st Place Sara Green, Storrs/Mansfield
2nd Place Matthew Sandage, Plainfield
Poetry by Quinebaug Middle College Students
1st Place Desirae Bourgoin
2nd Place Laura Pudvah
3rd Place Kacee-Jean Hanlon
Hon Mention Zachary Gaudette
Released April 30, 2018