Lo-Ellen Park student poetry to be published in national anthology

Students from Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School will soon be published authors. Their poetry will be featured in a national anthology called “Perspective” being released in June.

Michelle Ruff, Daniel Musico and Emily Duval entered the Polar Expressions writing contest last fall. They were recently notified that their pieces had been selected for publication from thousands of entries from across Canada.

Polar Expressions Publishing is based in British Columbia. In addition to having their works published, the students will have an opportunity to win cash prizes.

“We are very proud of Michelle, Daniel and Emily for their outstanding achievement,” said Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School Principal Pamela Potvin. “We are also proud of teacher Jessie Dupuis who leads our school’s Poetry Club.”

She added: “Poetry gives students a safe place to explore complex and meaningful personal, political, ecological, social and economic issues. Our Poetry Club enables students to share their voices and hear different points of view, which builds reflective thinkers and good citizens.”

Grade 10 student Michelle Ruff wrote “Escaping My Cage.” The poem is about leaving the safety that comes with familiarity and taking a stand to step out of one’s cage and live freely.

“I am extremely proud of this accomplishment,” she said. “It has definitely inspired me to continue writing more poems.”

Grade 11 student Emily Duval’s submission is entitled “Joyful Delirium in 5/4 Time.” This rhythmic poem is about a shared sense of emotion that comes from experiencing music.

“I’m excited to have a poem published because it will be a nice keepsake,” she said. “I am flattered that I was chosen to be part of the book.”

Daniel Musico, also in Grade 11, wrote “Unique in Infinity.” The symbolic piece is about a small green cactus that is able to live, thrive and be powerful even under harsh conditions.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.