Many students have special talents; in fact, some may sit next to each other in class and not even know it. On May 2nd, the Writers Club will be displaying some of these talents with the return of its annual Poetry Cafe.
The 400 Wing Band, consisting of Mr. Peoples, Mrs. Rushatz, and Mr. Herbert, will host the show on Friday, May 2nd, for the 16th year in the UPHS Library. The evening is a fun way to unwind, enjoy peers’ performances, and raise funds.
Mr. Peoples, UPHS history teacher and lead guitarist for the 400s Wing Band, told the WSJ that “There [will be] coffee available. All kinds of sweet treats and things like that. It’s a small fundraiser, but it’s more of a celebration of the arts and especially poetry and music.”
In addition to student performances, the Teacher-Band will provide several of their own spectacles. Viewers can expect laid-back performances, readings of original poems, music, and so much more in a safe environment.
Created by the former librarian, Mrs. Stattle, Poetry Cafe gives students a stage to express their creativity. Years later, Mr. Herbert, Mr. Peoples, and Mrs. Rushatz joined in organizing the event. Poetry Cafe is student-run. The Writers Club is sponsoring it with the help of Mrs. Hawthorne, who is one of the coordinators for the club.
When asked about what makes the Poetry Cafe special, Mrs. Rushatz told the WSJ, “It just always amazes me how there are so many incredibly talented students in this building. Not to take anything away from sports, but that’s what so often gets showcased at the high school level… And for people whose shine is in other areas, oftentimes, we just don’t have a place to showcase it.
Thanks to the Poetry Cafe, students are given a platform to express their creativity in a new light in front of an audience. Mrs. Rushatz added, “I’ll have students in class whose voices I barely hear all year. But, once you give them a microphone and stand them up in front of some people, they’re a whole different person.”
The event takes place on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:30 pm and will run to about 9:00 pm. If one is interested in having a part in the show, they can scan the QR code to sign up! If there are any questions or concerns, they can contact the 400 Wing Band for more information.
