On Thursday, May 27, 2010, the Berkeley Institute English Department Poetry Competition culminated with a prize-giving and workshop.

Mr. Kendel Hippolyte, writer-in-residence for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, was on hand to present prizes and address the students on the art of poetry writing. Following a lunchtime reception, twenty-five students, composed of contest winners and participants, engaged in a poetry-writing workshop with Mr. Hippolyte.

They were also joined by Mr. Stephan Johnstone, a Bermudian poet who was one of the adjudicators. Other adjudicators included local writer, poet and musician Ronald Lightbourne and journalist Cathy Stovell.

The following day at 4 p.m., the Bermuda National Gallery hosted a poetry reading for the students. Ten students participated in the poetry reading before an audience of family, friends and visitors.

In addition to learning about some of the techniques and styles of poetry writing at the Thursday workshop, the students were also treated to renditions from Mr. Hippolyte, Mr. Johnstone and fellow students.

"It was helpful to learn different ways of writing poetry," noted Destiny Smith, winner of the 'Response to Literature' category.

"I found it interesting to hear other students' interpretations and perspectives of poems. Listening to other people read and recite helped me to recognise the importance of rhythm and timing in presentation."

Matthew Johnstone, winner of the 'Open' section commented, "The workshop was very informative. It helped me develop new ways to get ideas, and it gave me new techniques for writing poetry."

Sammy Robinson, who was awarded third place, noted: "I entered a poem in the poetry competition called 'Guilty Conscience', based on the book 'Tears of a Tiger'. I have never been a person to write poetry, but I thought that it would be a change to try. Amazingly, I came third and I am very proud of myself! This is a hidden talent that I would like to pursue as a hobby."

Miss Robinson continued: "Mr. Hippolyte did a workshop with us, and included Mr. Johnstone in it. Mr. Johnstone is a Bermudian poet who has released two CD's of poetry.

"He performs in Bermuda and Toronto where he lives and runs his own graphic design company. I found that the workshop was very interesting.

"I learnt a lot of things in the very short time we had. I learned how to write a cinquain, a five line poem, and also to keep working at my poems no matter what other people may say, because they will be a success. I didn't want the workshop to end because I was enjoying myself so much!"

Joann Adams, competition coordinator, expressed her appreciation for the local businesses that partnered with Berkeley Institute and supported the poetry competition through the kind donation of prizes.

Instructional Team Leader, Ingrid Applewhaite was pleased by the number of entries that the competition garnered and the high level of interest and enthusiasm of the teachers.

She stated: "This was great! I am pleased that one of our English teachers, Tonisha Key-Holmes, inspired the idea.

"It was a first, but it has definitely found a permanent place in the school calendar. Next year it will correspond with National Poetry Month in April."