The 13 student presenters who read their poetry out loud were selected because they placed as runner-up finalists, or grand prize winners in a blind selection by teachers.

Runner-up finalists include Sienna Levato, Ace Blystone, Alex Morelli, Addison Beam, Caley McDole and Holly Orrell.

Grand prize winners include Elaina Portice, Ella Bartlett, Zaniyah Murphy, Clara Armstrong, Scout DeSantis and Grayson Boyer.

The overall grand prize winner was Grayson Boyer.

Whittni and Grayson Adkins, 9, daughter-in-law and grandson of late teacher Jennifer Davidson, speak to students and attendees at the Poetry Slam to honor Davidson. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Each of the student presenters were given a small trophy for their participation.

“Thank you to the students who had the courage to participate today. Sharing your writing takes bravery, and we are so proud of each and every one of you,” Donna McBurney, fifth-grade language arts teacher, told the participating students. “Your words have the power to inspire others, and today we celebrate not only your poetry, but also your confidence, creativity and willingness to have your voice heard.”

The poetry slam was organized by McBurney and fifth-grade language arts teacher McKenna Marshall.

Organizers of the event said that it was about much more than the poetry, but also about honoring Davidson’s belief that every student deserves to have their voice heard, and that Davidson’s love for creativity and learning continues to impact the classrooms.

Isaac Davidson, Jennifer’s son, said that words and poetry were her outlet and made her very happy to see the students express themselves through writing poems and watching them overcome their nerves and presenting their works.

Grayson Adkins, 9, grandson of late teacher Jennifer Davidson, shows the poem he wrote and read for his grandmother during the Second Annual Jen Davidson Poetry Slam to honor Davidson. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

“It means a lot, because I can feel my mom’s presence and to know how happy things like this would make her and that she is smiling down means a lot,” Isaac said.

He noted that the loss of his mom is still fresh and things like this keep her present and make them realize the impact she had not only on her family but everybody who came in contact with her.

Whittni Adkins, Jennifer’s daughter -in-law, said that Jennifer started the poetry slam with fifth-grade language arts teacher Audree Grimes several years ago after receiving a grant which allowed them to set up their classrooms cafe-style with a microphone for the students to learn and recite poetry.

“It was something that meant a lot to her, so it means a lot to us that they are continuing it on here even though she is not here anymore,” Adkins said. “She was very passionate about reading and writing. I know that she would be so happy to know that even though she is not here they are continuing her tradition.”

Isaac said the family would like to thank the teachers who not only stepped up but continued to grow the poetry slam.

Fifth-grade student Grayson Boyer reads the poem that won him grand prize at the Second Annual Jen Davidson Poetry Slam. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Grayson Adkins, 9, Jennifer’s grandson, said the poetry slam made it feel like he is related to someone that is really nice and he has proof of that and that hearing all the stories about what his grandmother has done for everyone really surprises him to know how much she really did for everyone and he doesn’t know how to express it.

Grayson paid tribute to his grandmother, who he called Gigi, during the poetry slam by reading a poem he wrote.

Jennifer’s 5-year-old granddaughter, Josie Adkins, was also present.

East Liverpool Mayor Bobby Smith, East Liverpool Carnegie Public Library Children’s Librarian Tamara Scafide and Principal Paul Cusick were present and said a few words.

Following the poetry slam students and attendees were treated to a cookie reception

The East Liverpool School District would like to thank teacher Anne Inge and the career tech class for donating the sign for the poetry slam; Mandy Jones at The Fresh Cafe and Baker and The ELCS Scholarship Committee for student supplies; Bob Mikesell for support and funding for the event; and L&B Catering for the cookies.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com