Cayla Turner '18 Competes in Poetry Out Loud National Finals

Escorted by a cheering section with over thirty students and teachers, senior Cayla Turner made her way to the East-Central and Northeast regional finals of the National Poetry Out Loud Competition. Cayla was one of eighteen students from the regions. Another region of eighteen and one of seventeen would compete later in the day. Cayla performed through two rounds, attempting to be one of the eight who would earn their way to the third round. As usual, Cayla’s recitation of Robert Browning’s “Life in a Love,” Nikki Giovanni’s “The Song of the Feet,” were tremendous and brought the largest cheering section in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University to its feet.

All eighteen competitors were called to the stage and given their state champion plaques. When Cayla was selected to move on as one of the final eight, the Indian Creek section erupted with so much enthusiasm, the host jokingly scolded “Maryland’s” cheering section for holding up the contest. Once again, Cayla's rendition of Kenneth Rexroth’s “Discrimination” had the entire audience enraptured. In the end, Cayla did not advance past the final eight, but what a ride it was for both her and for Indian Creek. She certainly has made the school proud and represented our entire state with aplomb. Cayla plans to become an ASL interpreter, but also plans to continue exploring her love of poetry. Congratulations Cayla on this inspiring accomplishment.