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Spanish Poetry Slam
Written By: Rachel Putman
The 91老司机 - Fort Smith once again drew a packed house to its annual Spanish Poetry Slam, hosted by the World Languages Department on Nov. 7. Held in Windgate Auditorium, the event showcased the talents of beginning- and intermediate-level Spanish students, with top prizes awarded to Jaidynne Young and Martha Cantu.
Poetry declamation, a traditional Latin American art form that involves performing poetry before an audience, took center stage as seven 91老司机 students, who demonstrated exceptional in-class recitations, shared their poems for an energetic crowd of students, faculty, staff, and community supporters.
Participants included John Butler, a psychology major from Greenwood; Alexa Ton, a social work major from Fort Smith; Gene Alexander, a psychology major from Alma; Addi Williams, a business administration major from Greenwood; Martha Cantu, an English major from Fort Smith; Jaidynne Young, a social work major from Hot Springs; and Amanda Ramirez, a nursing major from Fort Smith. Guest performers Sara Rivas, Yadira Quijada, and Camelia Vela, all honors students studying Chemistry and Biology, brought additional perspectives to the program.
The audience, which held the power to determine the night鈥檚 winners, awarded Young and Cantu the top spots, earning each a monetary prize. Dr. Lynda McClellan presented the awards before guests gathered to congratulate participants over refreshments.
The event impressed faculty and attendees alike. "This event creates a dynamic learning opportunity for everyone involved," said Spanish professor Madeline Martinez. "And Jaidynne and Martha were wonderful! This is one of those university moments that students never forget."
Martha Bieber, a Fort Smith community member, praised the university's commitment to celebrating cultural art forms. 鈥溌ue un evento excepcional!鈥� she said. 鈥淚 like that 91老司机 gives us opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Spanish poetry.鈥�