By Kym Suber/reporter

Students focused on global awareness during the eighth annual Poetry Jam on NE Campus Oct. 13.

The poetry jam pulled in 325 people including students, faculty and family members. Students like Kyle Gooldy didn’t need an English major to speak about global awareness, just passion and confidence.

“I went in there worried about how I would perform, not being placed. When I got the e-mail I had won, I was very excited and happy, of course,” he said. “This was the first time I had ever performed anything I had written. For me, this was confirmation to keep writing.”

Gooldy won first place with a cash prize of $75. Deborah Tuyinda was the second-place winner with a cash prize of $50, and the third place winner was Rianna Beasley with a cash prize of $25.

Judges critiqued students on poetic elements, imagery, delivery and clear theme. The crowd chose the top four Popular Choice winners.

Bryce Gibson won first place for his rap, the only one in the competition. Second place went to Justine Baggette and third place to Miles Hensel while Barry Williams won fourth place.

Each of these students won a cash prize of $25.

“I was excited to see so many students participate. I loved the subjects the students brought to the table,” said one of the judges, Amanda Myers.

A member of the DFW Slam Team, Michele Guinn served as MC and kept the event flowing. Thirty poets had a chance to recite. 

English instructor Donavan Hufnagle, chairman of the committee, helped the judges deliberate.

“The crowd’s interaction was great,” he said.

Cynthia Baw, NE English assistant professor, helped organize the event.

“Global awareness was a great topic for the students to express themselves,” she said.

“My favorite part was the moment after the student was finished, the look on their face when they realized they could write poetry,” said Shewanda Riley, English instructor and event organizer.