[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SARAH HARRIS, MICHIGAN'S 2007 ``POETRY OUT LOUD'' STATE 
                                CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
Sarah Harris for her victory in the 2007 ``Poetry Out Loud'' Michigan 
State Championship.
  Besting 8 other contestants from around Michigan to take the State 
title in March, Ms. Harris earned a trip to the National Finals held 
this week in Washington, DC. For the competition, each student recited 
three poems, and four judges graded each recitation based on five 
categories: Physical Presence and Posture; Voice Projection and 
Articulation; Appropriateness of Dramatization; Level of Difficulty; 
Evidence of Understanding; and, Overall Performance. The three poems 
recited by Ms. Harris were: The Cremation of Sam McGee, by Robert 
Service; Mrs. Krikorian by Sharon Olds; and, The Weary Blues, by 
Langston Hughes.
  The ``Poetry Out Loud'' program, sponsored by the National Endowment 
for the Humanities, builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art 
form. Through this important endeavor, students master public speaking 
skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. 
I am proud that the Michigan Humanities Council has been a strong 
supporter of ``Poetry Out Loud,'' and that Holt High School has been so 
active in fostering a renewed interest in poetry.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today to celebrate Sarah Harris's 
extraordinary achievement. Her passion, creativity and dedication 
indeed serve as an example to us all. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Ms. Harris for her State Championship and to wish her the 
best of luck in the National Finals.

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