PORT TOWNSEND — Two eighth-graders from Blue Heron Middle School will miss a track meet today while they read their original writing in Seattle.
Annalise Rubida and Peri Muellner, both 13, were selected from all students through the region who participated in this year’s Writers in the Schools project, which is funded through a grant.
Rubida will read a portion of her short story, “Elliot,” while Muellner will read her poem, “One,” which evolved from a classroom exercise.
The event will take place at the Seattle Public Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., where an expected audience of about 500 people will listen to work by students from several schools.
The readings will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and Thursday.
‘Not really nervous’
“I’m not really nervous about reading in front of all those people,” Rubida said. “I was really nervous today when I had to read it in front of the class, twice.”
“You’re lucky,” said Muellner. “I don’t have anyone to read in front of.”
“You can read it in front of me,” Rubida said.
This is the first time any Port Townsend schools have participated in the program, which is for fifth- and eighth- graders.
The program will be back next year and expanded into other grades, according to Title 9 Director Diane Frame, who is administering the program.
Frame said the program brought together children who normally don’t interact.
“A lot of kids are shy and never speak out,” she said.
“But in the program, a couple of younger kids read their poetry to an audience that contained the big, tough eighth-graders.
“After that, the eighth- graders read their stories, and all the kids became buddies,” she said.
“It was a neat experience seeing all those groups together.”
Not structured
Students like to write if it isn’t part of a structured assignment, Frame said.
“I like to be able to write stories because no one tells me what to do,” Rubida said.
“No matter what I do, it’s always right.”
While most of the students won’t earn livings as writers, Frame said the experience will benefit them.
“Writing creatively helps the kids express themselves,” Frame said.
“A lot of times when they are told to write a paper for school they don’t know where to begin, but in a creative environment everyone succeeds.”
For more information about the program at the library, see www.spl.org or phone 206-386-4636.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.