Schools

Bronxville Student Wins Regional Poetry Competition

The next step is the statewide competition in March.

A Bronxville High School junior received one of the top honors at the Poetry Out Loud Hudson Regional Competition Feb. 2.

Mia Bettino earned a spot in the state competition to be held in Syracuse March 14.

Bettino won the schoolwide contest and, along with runner-up Eva Cagliostro, went to the regional competition.

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They competed against 16 students from eight local schools.

BHS English teacher and poetry coach Victor Maxwell said Bettino’s performances connected with the material and the audience.

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“She made movies in the audience’s mind,” he said, “turning the words inot living images for them to experience.”

Poetry Out Loud is a national contest that encourages students to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation, helps them master public speaking and builds self confidence.

At the state competition, Bettino will compete for a spot in the national finals and a chance to win cash awards and school stipends for the purchase of poetry books.

Photo caption: Mia Bettino. Photo credit: Bronxville Union Free School District.

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