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SD 71 poets lauded, awarded

Evening features launch of entrants’ chap book and readings
Old book w/path
Book of poetry

The laureate had a vision, the superintendent helped see it through, and many Comox Valley School District students are now feeling the empowerment of words well used.

When Kevin Flesher was named Comox Valley poet laureate in a contest organized by Comox Valley Community Arts Council, he vowed to foster poetry in the community.

This Wednesday (May 18), brings the culmination of one of his proudest projects, the School District 71 Poetry Competition, celebrated at Lake Trail Middle School with an evening of prizes and readings by contributors to the contest, whose works appear in the chap book published as part of the project.

Everyone is welcome to attend, it's free, and poets who want to read just need to sign up.

“There was a huge response (to the contest),” said Flesher. “The judging panel of seven adults had a difficult time choosing.”

Although Flesher’s focus was on youth, he opened the contest open to all within SD71 – students, teachers, and other workers, believing in full inclusivity.

“Only good things can come from people of all ages learning to express themselves,” said Flesher. “And, youth certainly have a lot to say.”

Flesher noted that the school district’s senior administration “made all this possible” by coming through with prize money and technical support.

The awards and readings are in the Lake Trail Middle School drama room, beginning at 7 p.m.  Copies of the book are going into all the district libraries and will be available for a modest sum at the event.