Posters throughout Falvey Library’s first floor display poems submitted by students hoping to become the 2010 Senior Class Poet.  The poetry posters will remain on display throughout April, in celebration of National Poetry Month. A Philadelphia area poet will anonymously judge the contest, which was open to Villanova seniors.

The nominees and their posted poems include “Mud Girl,” by Emily Southerton; “At This Hour,” by Sean Vitka; “Crossing the Bar (Reprise),” by Chris McKay; “Water Lilies,” by Samantha Ronan; “Dance of Bacchus,” by Christina Pellegrini; “To be tested,” by Zachary Hayes; “Freedom Song: (Version 3),” by Latishia James; “Where to Begin,” Lauren Welles; “Kingussie Bound,” by Cayce Lista; and “The Coda,” by Jayne Ziemba.

Daisy Fried, a poet herself and adjunct English professor, worked with Gerald Dierkes and graphic designer Joanne Quinn to assemble the Senior Class Poet posters.

The Senior Class Poet will receive an award certificate, a $100 honorarium, and an invitation to read his or her work at the English department awards reception on Fri., April 30, where the winner will be announced.  The Senior Class Poet will also be honored by reading his or her winning poetry at the College of Arts and Sciences Recognition Ceremony on Sat., May 15.

Falvey Library and the English department sponsored the annual open mic poetry reading on April 8 in the library first floor lounge. Participants included students who published work in Arthology, Villanova’s student journal of art and writing; Senior Class Poet contestants; and other students, faculty and staff who enjoy and write poetry.

By Akua Adoo, Publications & Communication Intern