On Wednesday, April 16th Lakewood Public Library employee Dan Slife joined attorney Thomas Corrigan and former world traveler turned substitute teacher Paul Dalalau to judge this year's student poetry contest at St. Cyril & Methodius School.

“The students put on an impressive performance,” stated Slife. “It was clear that each student had invested an immense amount of time and energy in their project.”

The poetry contest initially "Commenced in 1920" and "continued on for 40 years" according to Carol Shakarian of St. Cyril & Methodius. After a brief hiatus beginning in 1960, the annual contest resumed in 1971.

All students are expected to participate in each year's event, kindergarten through eighth grade. Each student must memorize and recite one poem. Over a six week period, teachers choose finalists who go on to compete in the final round, in front of the entire school, teachers and parents. Four finalists in each grade made it to the final round. Winners in each grade received trophies commending their performance.

2008 Poetry Contest Winners:

Jimmy Greathouse - Kindergarten
Ella Elbiry - Grade 1
Isabella Chudy - Grade 2
Mason Wunderle - Grade 3
Andrew Jackson - Grade 4
Kristina Kopasakis - Grade 5
Anjelica Berrios - Grade 6
Matthew McMaster - Grade 7
Chloe Murray - Grade 8