At Concept Schools, the annual Spoken Word Competition gives students the opportunity to share their voices, stories, and perspectives through original poetry and performance. This year’s event brought together 95 students from 13 schools, along with chaperones, parents, and volunteers, creating an encouraging environment where students could express themselves and connect with their peers.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Joy in the Midst of Struggle,” students explored how hope, resilience, and personal growth can emerge even during difficult moments. Through Spoken Word, students move beyond the page and bring their writing to life in front of an audience, sharing reflections on challenges, perseverance, and the moments of joy that can still be found along the way.
For Levi Linscott, a 10th-grade student at GSA High School, performing came with a mix of nerves and excitement.
“I was a little nervous before performing, but I was excited to see how the audience would react,” he said.
Andres Aranda Fernandez, an 11th-grade student at GSA High School, performed a piece titled Un Poema Sobre Mi Alegría. He described Spoken Word as an opportunity to share personal experiences and perspectives through poetry.
The competition was evaluated by Phoebe Varney, Stephen Miller, and Hunter Prey, with Rachel Snyder assisting in coordinating judges. Judge Hunter Prey, founder of Definition Music LLC, said he enjoys seeing the creativity students bring to the stage.
“It is always good to see their creativity. We need them to be here and use their voice,” he said.
The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Regina Armour, Concept Schools Director of Educational Empowerment and Opportunity, who reflected on the themes students shared throughout the day.
“There was so much today about love, loss, friendship and grace,” she said. “Yet there is so much more to say. Keep writing, thinking, and sharing your stories.”
Competition Results
The competition featured both individual “Free Form” performances and team events, with students competing in middle school and high school divisions.
Free Form – Grades 6–8
- 1st Place: Elizabeth Olatunji – IMSA West
- 2nd Place: Anahliz Pinedo – HSA Belmont ES
- 3rd Place: Alumbarak Adeniji – IMSA West
Free Form – Grades 9–12
- 1st Place: Ralph Sarmiento-Romero – HSA Southwest Chicago
- 2nd Place: Rylee Rutkowski – HSA Toledo
- 3rd Place: Abena Bonna – HSA Columbus High School
Team Event – Grades 6–8
- 1st Place: Team Click – IMSA West
Ajibola Adekoye, NeVaya Johnson, Aliyah Jimoh, Elizabeth Olatunji - 2nd Place: Team Just the Two of Us – IMSA North
Jayla Torres, Ali’ah Hatch
Team Event – Grades 9–12
- 1st Place: Team Third Time’s A Charm – IMSA North
Folarin Adetoro, Korbin Coe - 2nd Place: Team KP – HSA Toledo
Patience Bay, Kamaria Harrell - 3rd Place: Team United At Last – HSA Toledo
Elijah Belcher, Natalie Salas-Barajas
