For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

GLTS Students Place in Memorial Hall Library Teen Poetry Contest

ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie is pleased to announce that three Greater Lawrence Technical School students placed in the 14th annual Memorial Hall Library Teen Poetry Contest.

The competition is open to students in grades six through 12, who can submit up to three entries to Andover’s public library for a chance to showcase their skills and be recognized by their peers.

Three GLTS students’ poems placed out of approximately 110 entries in the high school portion of the competition.

• Freshman Vinny Schmidt, of Lawrence (Business Technology):

Second Place for “The Real Me” — demonstrates appreciation for one’s roots and where they came from even though it may not be a positive place. The poem also illustrates how a person can pursue success despite being dealt difficult circumstances.

Honorable Mention for “A Ghetto Tale” — explores how a person can find success in writing poetry despite experiencing difficult circumstances.

• Senior Jayden Pena, of Lawrence (Dental):

Honorable Mention for “Expression”  — uses vivid imagery of drawing and art in order to explore concepts of beauty and love and what constitutes each.
Honorable Mention for “Halo” — the narrator examines their beliefs and their views in contrast with what they are told is right. This poem questions what constitutes holiness and who gets to decide.
Honorable Mention for “m&m” — explores the crossroads of life and figuring out one’s place in the world while struggling with feelings of isolation.

• Senior Sheila Tejada, of Lawrence (Information Technology):

Honorable Mention for “Mask On” — explores the feelings of a person needing to hide their true nature and keep it secret from the world by wearing a mask.
Honorable Mention for “A Letter to My First Love” — the narrator explores the concepts of first love and first heartbreak and deep reflection upon the effects of each.

During a poetry reception on Wednesday, April 11 at the Memorial Hall Library, all winners were invited to read their poetry aloud. Schmidt and Tejada attended the event. Additionally, students’ poems will be on display in the GLTS library for National Poetry Month.

“Each year we have a number of students with an affinity for poetry enter this competition and we are excited that three earned recognition for their work,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “Vinny, Jayden and Sheila’s work is true to their individual personalities and experiences.”

###