William Mortensen Places 2nd at Poetry Out Loud State Finals
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSophomore William Mortensen became the first Wahoo Student to place in the top three at the Poetry Out Loud State Finals when he finished second at the competition held at the Sheldon Art Gallery on Saturday March 9th. In the first round, Mortensen recited “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Bryon. In round two, Mortensen said the poem “Dreamers” by Siegfried Sassoon.
During a five minute break, the judges’ scores were tallied. William was announced as one of the three finalists selected to recite a third poem. For his final poem, William recited “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley. After each finalist orated their final poem, Nebraska’s State Poet Laureate, Matt Mason, announced Elizabeth Buescher from Marian Catholic High School as the state champion; Mason declared William Mortensen of Wahoo High School placed second, and Carlee Livingston of Sutherland High School finished third.
For his second place finish, Mortensen won $100 for his personal use and won $200 for Wahoo High School to purchase poetry books for the school library. William will also be the alternate if the state champion is unable to attend the national finals in Washington, D.C. William won the right to represent Wahoo at the state competition by defeating 100 other Wahoo students who participated in the Poetry Out Loud program this year. Rebecca Louison-Odvody finished second in the school competition, while Lexi Jonas captured the third place award. Other students advancing to the Wahoo High School finals were Lea Govind, Sophia Rafteseth, Jacie Brabec, James Richardson, Callen Fischer, Matteo Ramirez, and Calvin Babst.