Austintown Elementary students excel in national poetry contests

Austintown Elementary School's gifted program is celebrating remarkable achievements as students shine in national poetry contests. During the Austintown Board of Education meeting on February 20, 2025, Donna Schilling, a dedicated teacher of 51 gifted students, proudly announced that her second graders secured the top three spots in the "Right Where You Are" poetry contest, organized by the National Writing Project at Kent State University. Additionally, ten first graders and eleven second graders were recognized as published authors in the Creative Communication Poetry Contest held in the fall.

Schilling emphasized the importance of creative writing in education, highlighting how poetry fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills. She noted that through poetry, students learn to express their emotions and ideas concisely, which not only enhances their writing abilities but also prepares them for future challenges in life. The process of crafting poetry has transformed her students, instilling pride and a sense of accomplishment that standardized tests cannot measure.

The meeting featured a special presentation where the young poets showcased their winning pieces, further demonstrating the impact of creative writing on their personal growth. Schilling called attention to the essential role of the elementary gifted program in nurturing these talents, advocating for continued support to help students explore the power of words and embrace creative expression.

As the meeting concluded, the community celebrated the achievements of these young scholars, recognizing their contributions to the arts and the skills they are developing for the 21st century. The success of Austintown's gifted program not only highlights the talent of its students but also underscores the value of fostering creativity in education, which benefits the entire community.