Jiri Falowo and Devin Bailey get ready for their presentation.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s ELA Curriculum Team, in collaboration with the Division of Schools, recently hosted the 3rd annual EBRPSS High School District-wide Poetry Competition. Among the participants were three exceptionally talented student poets, writers, and performers from Woodlawn High School: Devin Bailey, Jiri Falowo, and Sydni Smith. This competition, which welcomed entries from all EBRPSS high school students, served as a culmination of the individual school-wide Poetry Slam competitions held across local schools.

Woodlawn High School hosted its Poetry Preview on March 6th, showcasing the remarkable talents of its students. Despite having only three contestants, the quality of their performances stood out, earning them spots in the District Poetry Slam held on March 28th. These three winners from Woodlawn’s Poetry Slam advanced to compete in the district-wide event, representing their school with pride and passion.

“Although Woodlawn students did not bring home the win, I am beyond elated to see these students represent our school in such a professional manner,” said Ms. Durbin, Woodlawn High School’s Literacy Coach.

Devin Bailey and Sydni Smith are all smiles at the district poetry competition.

While Woodlawn High School students may not have secured the top prize in the district-wide competition, the participation of Devin Bailey, Jiri Falowo, and Sydni Smith exemplified the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression among its students. Beyond the accolades, the experience of sharing their poetry on such a platform undoubtedly left a lasting impression on these young talents. The event not only showcased their skills but also provided an enriching opportunity for  personal growth and self-expression. Woodlawn High School celebrates its students’ achievements and looks forward to continuing to support their artistic endeavors in the future.