Marty Gervais photographed with St. Joes' English teacher, Mr. Robillard. Photo by Sophia P.
On Wednesday, October 25, St Joseph's High School hosted a poetry reading with the city of Windsor being its theme. This event included 7 extremely talented local poets and took place during periods 1 and 2, with a new batch of English classes each period to attend and hear the poets read their selections.
“I was blown away by the response of the students. We had such a warm welcome and we felt we had connected and shared a little bit of Windsor with everyone. It was very rewarding,” said one of the visiting poets, Marty Gervais.
This presentation took place in the Learning Commons and just outside of it, the Laser News Team was selling hot drinks at a booth for a dollar. It was a learning experience for English students to possibly inspire them into pursuing a career path in either English or Journalism.
“There is nothing better than sharing the written word and our passion for writing with eager, young minds. I think all of us together inspired each other.” said Peter Hrastovec in a statement to Laser News.
Photographed –– (Top, Left to Right): Mr. Robillard, Daniel Lockhart, Carlina D'Alimonte, Vanessa Shields, and Peter Hrastovec; (Bottom, Left to Right): Mary Ann Mulhern, Marty Gervais, and Dorothy Mahoney. Photo by Isabella A.
The introductions were conducted by Mr. Robillard and his English students. The first speaker was the first Poet Laureate of Windsor, Marty Gervais. Also featured were Vanessa Shields, Peter Hrastovec, Dorothy Mahoney, Daniel Lockhart, Mary Ann Mulhern and Carlinda D’Alimonte.
“I left St. Joe's totally impressed by the attentiveness and kindness of all the staff and students. I thought the students' introductions were a very nice touch and [their] questions were especially insightful. The whole experience was a joy. Thank you.” Carlinda D’Alimonte, a Windsorite poet, comments on Lasers’ as an audience.
Vanessa Shields presenting her poems from the book, "Because We Have All Lived Here" featuring other local Windsor poets. Photo by Sophia P.
“I've read at a lot of high schools as a poet, and the reception and interest at St. Joe's can only be described as outstanding! I was so impressed with the student introductions [...]. The questions on the process of writing indicated to me great potential for exemplary writers at St. Joe's! I have a copy of Stephen King's excellent and inspiring book, ‘On Writing,’ which I'll gladly donate to the St. Joe's library in hopes students will be as inspired as I have been by the amazing insights offered by Stephen King!” states another poet, Mary Ann Mulhern.
The poets came, not only to teach the students, but to promote their new book, "Because We Have All Lived Here," based on several distinct areas of Windsor. It was a magnificent and unparalleled presentation and St. Joseph's received nothing but good reviews in return. Good job Lasers!
Mary Ann Mulhern reciting her poems from "Because We Have All Lived Here," a compilation of Windsor-based poems by other local Windsor poets. Photo by Sophia P
Check out more photos of the Local Windsor Poets Presentation below:
