36 magazine event hopes to expand from last year

For the second time, students interested in verbal storytelling will be able to voice themselves at the upcoming Poetry Slam.

The slam was started last year by two seniors, Marlynn Chang and Mirian Lema and showcases student-made poems, rap, songs or literary connected visuals. It is connected to the school art’s magazine, 36 Arts, and one of the purposes of the Poetry Slam is to raise awareness of the magazine. The event will take place sometime in late January or early February with Jan. 11 being the deadline for submissions.

English teacher and 36 magazine adviser Chris Nordmark said the slam can be a place for students to show an idea or project publically.

“It’s a gathering to be expressive and show your work with others,” Nordmark said.

Sophomore Daniel Vlodaver agrees and said he thinks the Poetry Slam is a positive place for sharing.

“I think it’s great that people can express themselves in such a open environment,” Vlodaver said.

Some of the pieces created and shown at the slam will be promoted through 36 Arts, which is fully run by students. As a member of the managing group, sophomore Dang Nguyen helps to host events. She said she hopes to see a change from the last year.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how much has changed due to last year being mostly seniors but now the managing group has more grades,” Nguyen said. “I want to see everyone getting involved into art, whatever the kind.”
While the Poetry Slam is used to promote 36 Arts Magazine, Nordmark said he believes that it has a larger purpose.

“One of the great things about 36 is giving a voice to students who might be overlooked,” Nordmark said.