By Colin McEwen
Record-Courier staff writer
A group of poets took center stage Saturday at the Kent Heritage Festival -- seventh-grade poets from Stanton Middle School.
Just before school finished last month, seventh-grade English teacher Lynn Penix distributed paint samples to her students and asked them to write a poem based on the color of their choice.
What the students returned was worthy of a poetry recital at the main stage at the Heritage Festival, said Sue Nelson who sponsored the event.
"We were so overwhelmed," she said. "These are unbelievable words, and these are poems from seventh-graders. We appreciate what these kids have in their hearts, souls and minds."
The students did not know their work would be judged and awarded -- and also did not know they would receive cash prizes.
Taking first place and $50 was Gordon Wall with his poem "Rosemary Green." Donnie Sampson took second with "Citron," and won $40; D.J. best won $30 for his third place finish for "Phantom Mist."
Eboni Holloway received honorable mention honors and $25 for her poem "Tangerine Dream."
The poems from all the seventh-grade students at Stanton are on display on the front windows of Sue Nelson Designs, Ltd., at 156 S. Water Street.
Also joining in the poetry reading was Kent Mayor John Fender, who wrote and read his poem to the audience.
Nelson said she hopes to make the poetry reading at the festival an annual event.
"If you catch them at an early age, you can encourage and nurture their talents," she said. "Maybe we're starting something very good here."