CV Students Shine at Ugly Slam

CVCHS hosted its annual “Ugly Slam” event on April 11 in the multi use room.

The Ugly Slam is a competition between CVCHS juniors who write poems about various topics, ranging from Black History to Palestinian Liberation to concerns about modern technology.

The competitors present their poems – either by rapping them or giving passionate speeches – to a panel of judges who decide the winners and give out other awards such as the “Dream Award” and “Hero Award.”

A group of seven competitors took part, with some underclassman add-ins: Kai Leigh Hernandez, Maya Monsarrat, Cali Leidgen, Cyrus Aleali, Brady Coddington, Eli Gonzalez Romero and Dalia Herriott Blasco.

This year, the panel of judges included teachers Nick Hansen, Chris Barcelon and Lynn Romano, seniors Kamari Jadoo Castle and Isabella Jacobs, and former Slam Team member Elle Fardella. The goal of the panel of judges is to impartially decide the best poem not only from a written point of view but also from a stylistic point of view such as the tone of the speaker.

In addition to this competition, there was a “CV slam feature.” Each member of the team performed one poem. In addition, there was a duo poem, performed by Anika Scott and Arwen Singh, whose poem was about how advancements in technology might have gone too far, and that from time to time we should unplug and enjoy the outside world.

With any Ugly Slam poetry competition, the top three students are given a cash prize and a mini-trophy to celebrate their win. This year, the winners went as follows:

1st place ($500): Kai Leigh Hernandez

2nd place ($300): Eli Gonzalez Romero

3rd place ($200): Cyrus Aleali

In addition to this, the panel of judges gave out two awards. First off the “Dream Award',' given to the person who the judges think has the most positive outlook for the future, was presented to Brady Coddington. Maya Monsarrat was given the “Hero Award,” which is presented to the person who the judges think had the most bravery coming to the stage and sharing their story.

Photo Credit: Lian Blaisdell