Thomas County Central High School junior Savannah Taylor called upon her comfort with and connection to poetic expression of the human experience to become the region winner in the Poetry Out Loud competition. This accomplishment qualifies her for the state event in March.

“I am extremely grateful for my selection as a state finalist,” Taylor said. “I have always been the student who loved to read, write, and tell stories. I did this competition from a simple spark of interest and a love for poetry. By winning, I realized even more that in pursuing what I love, success will always follow in some sort of unexpected way.”

Poetry inspires Taylor, 17, and has been a love of hers since childhood.

“Poetry is a window into someone's soul, a way of bringing to life the human experience, even if the poem is a hundred years old,” she said. “Whether I am laughing, crying, or smiling, poetry always makes me feel something. From a young age, I have been heavily exposed to this art form and have written poems since I was a child. I find comfort through poetry as I can make my feelings into art, and to me, that is the most beautiful thing in life.”

According to its official website, Poetry Out Loud encourages high schoolers to learn this literary format through memorization and performances while incorporating aspects of slam poetry, spoken word and theater into the classroom. Begun in 2005, it strives to aid students in appreciating poetry’s role in literature and assists them with public speaking skills and self-confidence.

Taylor joined the TCCHS Poetry Out Loud club, helmed by two of her favorite English teachers she dubbed “The Mitchells” because they have the same last name: Stacey Mitchell and Jillian Mitchell. The youth learned of the competition through club participation and immediately wanted to try it.

“I adore poetry, and I believe in participating in the things I am passionate about,” Taylor said. “At one of the first meetings, we watched example videos of the competition, and I just knew I could see myself on that stage.”

For her entry, Taylor chose two poems from the competition database she felt showcased her range best: “Dirge Without Music” by Edna St. Vincent Millay and “Invisible Children” by Mariana Llanos. Taylor explained that Millay’s poem is about not resigning oneself to death while Llanos’ spotlights children in underprivileged situations.

“I related to Millay’s poem because I believe the worst thing to do in life is to numb your heart to emotions,” she said. “‘Invisible Children’ explained how some children fall through the cracks, like Alice in Wonderland, yet they do not wake up with a magical bottle or cake to escape their situations. I felt a lot of passion toward this topic, and it varied from my first poem, so I was able to exhibit contrast in my performances.”

To compete, Taylor had to bring to life aspects of each poem.

“I did this by analyzing the syntax, diction, and imagery of the poems,” she said. “Then, I found ways to exaggerate the literary devices in the poems through my facial expressions and gestures.”

Stacey Mitchell, TCCHS English Department Chair and Poetry Out Loud adviser, expressed zero surprise at her student’s accomplishment.

“Savannah's talent is truly impressive,” Mitchell said. “Not only is she a great performer on the stage, but she is also a wonderful student and writer who offers insight and enthusiasm to everything we do. I was so excited that she decided to participate in the Poetry Out Loud competition and am not in the least bit surprised that she is a state finalist.”

Taylor thanked all her English teachers for their support and assistance in shaping her abilities and encouraging her love of literature.

“Our amazing school system has blessed me with so many amazing literature teachers that have shaped me up to this point,” she said. “Every single one of them inspired my love for literature and helped me grow in one way or another.”

Taylor received an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the Poetry Out Loud Georgia event, scheduled for March 13 in Atlanta. She appreciates the opportunity.

“Poetry is the art of vulnerability,” she said. “I am inspired by this, as poets make art out of their heartbreak, their one great love, just a simple memory, and a plethora of other things that make us human. I live every day to the fullest, and I capture my greatest moments through words. I hope one day my words can paint magnificent pictures.”