NATCHEZ — The Judge Armstrong Library hosted its first annual Poetry Slam this past April in celebration of National Library Week and National Poetry Month.

Poetry Slam is the competitive art of performance poetry that gives area students an opportunity to show off their talents. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.

Students were judged on style, content, creativity, and presentation. Certificates of participation were awarded to all entrants, and winners also received a book related to writers and creative writing.

The following Cathedral High School AP English seniors presented their poetry in the Poetry Slam, Joanna David, first place; Kirby Richard, second place; Grant Benoit, third place; Summer Bailey, Madeline Jeansonne, Geoffrey Martin, Lissa McManus, Jesse Morrison, and Stacy Parker.