Sophomore Hadassah Broughton named one of nine national finalists in Poetry Out Loud competition

On May 6 and 7, Stuart sophomore Hadassah Broughton competed in the Poetry Out Loud nationals in Washington, D.C., advancing from the semifinals on May 6 to become one of nine finalists to perform in the finals on May 7. She is the first Sacred Heart student to reach the national stage and the first student from New Jersey to do so in eight years. 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Poetry Out Loud is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, along with the state and jurisdictional arts agencies. It has reached more than 4.5 million students since it began in 2005. This year’s state and jurisdictional champions advanced from more than 157,000 students nationwide. 

Ahead of the finals, Hadassah reflected on the impact of the experience in an official interview with Poetry Out Loud:

This experience has affected me in so many ways that I wasn’t expecting. The way that I get to show who I am … the feeling of having people come up to you and tell you you were so amazing … that just encourages you to keep reaching for … your greater goals in life.

Hadassah advanced through school, regional, and state competitions to earn her place in the 20th annual national contest. Her performances in the semifinals and finals earned praise from judges and sparked celebration from adoring fans back at Stuart, who watched and cheered her on from afar.

Reflecting on the experience, Hadassah shared how meaningful it was to represent her school:

It means that I get to show off my school and show the education that I'm so privileged to get. I wouldn’t even get this opportunity without my education and without teachers who grant these opportunities their students. From my 11 years of being at Stuart, I am using everything they taught me -- to finally represent myself and at the same time represent Stuart.

When asked what she would tell her younger self, Hadassah said:

To the version of me that was afraid of public speaking, I would say it takes time to become the person you imagine. There are so many experiences still waiting to happen. There are so many experiences that I still have yet to experience that will develop my character further. The world is coming, so don’t hold back.

As a national finalist, Hadassah receives a $1,000 award, and Stuart receives $500 to purchase poetry books and materials. She now hopes to mentor other Sacred Heart students pursuing similar dreams:

Hopefully one day, another Stuart girl will be on that same stage—and I’ll be there to help her the way my teachers helped me.

Photo Credit: James Kegley