LCHS freshman recognized by Ohio Poetry Association

Megann Hendricks, a Lynchburg Clay High School freshman, recently received several awards from the Ohio Poetry Association.  The association, chartered originally as the Verse Writers' Guild of Ohio, is a nonprofit, educational organization that strives to promote the art of poetry and support poets and others who appreciate poetry. Members of the organization work extensively in Ohio schools, helping students to understand, enjoy and create poetry. The organization also sponsors and underwrites student poetry contests.

Hendricks learned of the association after composing a free verse poem in response to Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible.  The poem, entitled "Abigail Williams,"  was intended to analyze Abigail Williams' motivations and behaviors during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Hendricks had composed the poem as an English assignment but was encouraged to enter the poem in the OPA's 2009-2010 Ohio Youth Poetry Contest.  The competition, which included several categories, was open to all Ohio students in grades 9-12. Several schools submitted multiple entries, and the judges awarded prizes for first, second, and third in each category.

Hendricks entered four of the categories and received awards in all four categories. As a result, she will receive certificates and cash prizes from the Ohio Poetry Association and a member of the association will be visiting her classroom.

When she was asked what her success in this competition did for her, Hendricks replied, "It encouraged me to do more, write more, and Mom put the poem on the fridge."