On March 11, 2026, the sixteenth annual 8th-grade Poetry Slam took place at Tri-Valley Central School. Fifty-four 8th-grade students took to the stage to compete in the event. The evening event was watched by a crowd made up of parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators.
A large part of a Poetry Slam is the performance aspect, and the students certainly didn’t disappoint. Each student, or group of students, memorized an original poem and then delivered it with their best sense of emotion and theatrics. The audience showed their appreciation by responding to several of the poems with applause and laughter. But perhaps the best part of the night was witnessing the kids come together as one to support and encourage each other throughout the event.
Alicia Adams and Abby Kennedy were crowned 2026 Poetry Slam champions for their poem “What Are You Going to Do Today?” Lily Kopp and Makenzie Rainey were the runners-up with their poem “Never Enough.” Cadence Buckler finished in third place with her poem “Unplug.” Finally, Addie Dymond and Ona Thompson, with their poem “We’re Just Two Middle School Girls,” and Bianna Meyer with her poem “Childhood” shared the Performance Award.
The event was hosted by 9th-grade student Brea Sheeley, last year’s Performance Award winner. Mrs. Bridget Corso, Tri-Valley ELA Teacher, served as the event’s guest poet. She performed her poem titled “Strangers on a Train.”
Judges for the Poetry Slam included 2025 Poetry Slam 3rd-place finishers Sam Carroll, Emily Hadden, and Justice Whitted; 2025 Poetry Slam 2nd-place finisher Anthony Jacobs, Jr.; and 2024 Poetry Slam Champions Avery Carrier, Grace Nichols, and Abby Rusin.
The Tri-Valley Annual Poetry Slam was organized by 8th-grade ELA teachers Matt Haynes and Caitlyn Robillard, 8th-grade special education teacher Deb Swett, and 8th-grade ELA student teacher Kevin See.
Overall, the event was a huge success and it couldn’t have brought more pride to all of those involved. Congratulations again to all of the participating 8th graders, something they won’t soon forget!
Picture Caption (from left to right):
Bianna Meyer (Performance Award); Ona Thompson (Performance Award); Addie Dymond (Performance Award); Cadence Buckler (3rd Place); Lily Kopp (2nd Place); Makenzie Rainey (2nd Place); Alicia Adams (2026 Champion); Abby Kennedy (2026 Champion)