Spring is the time of year every poetry lover at Cleveland eagerly anticipates. The Cleveland Slam, also known as Verselandia, in April is a major event for these young poets. Careful preparation as well as time goes into each and every poem written for the contest. 

“I love Verselandia because while it is a competition, everyone is so supportive of each other and that’s what makes it such a fun and heartfelt experience. I have met so many people and formed so many connections through this event, as well as the Verselandia club, and I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” said Annik Antikajian, a junior.

Coming in first place at the Cleveland Slam was Alida Shi Lyons, and the runner up was Owl Matthews. Both finalists will be sent to the citywide Verselandia contest in late April, and the third finalist, Fox Fox, will be an alternate. Shi Lyons additionally received a $75 gift card as the overall winner.

This has been quite a successful year for Shi Lyons, who also made it to the state contest for the Poetry Out Loud Competition last month.

“Both competitions are different in their own way, but with reading your own writing out loud in Verslandia, you can kind of change things in the moment and you know what you want to get across,” she previously said.

The 10 students that participated came prepared with creatively written slam poems, and the theater teacher, Michael Payne, and his students helped assist in turning the Black Box theater into a space for the poetry slam.

According to Heather Hornor, the Cleveland librarian and a key member in planning the event, the slam had a great turn out, and they were able to get four judges to decide the winners, one of which was local author, Armin Tolentino. English teacher Eric Levine emceed the event.

“When an artist shares their work it’s really a beautiful transaction, between the audience and the student that shares that art,” Hornor said.

Hornor additionally mentioned that the slam wouldn’t have been possible without the winners, Shi Lyons and Matthews, who also happen to be the presidents of the Cleveland Poetry Club. The dynamic duo founded the club during their junior year of high school, to spread their love for the art of poetry and prepare poets for competitions. 

“Poetry is my favorite thing in the world. Verselandia is an incredible opportunity for students in Portland who love Slam to compete and participate in, inspiring others with their art together,” Matthews said.

For many participants, Verselandia has been a place to creatively express themselves and showcase their talent.

“Poetry is such a deeply personal and vulnerable art form, and it brings us together in a way that nothing else could,” said Antikajian.