On February 20th, Downey High School’s Writing Center hosted its 9th annual Poetry Slam.
The Writing Center offers help regarding the writing process to all students here at Downey High School. At the Writing Center, tutors, consisting of various juniors and seniors, have one-on-one tutorials with students to discuss their writing. As a “celebration of writing”, the staple tradition of the Poetry Slam was started nine years ago at the suggestion of a tutor. Now, nearly a decade later, the 2025 annual Poetry Slam received the largest attendance in its history.
Fittingly, the event was chiefly organized by the Writing Center’s leadership team, consisting of seniors Brissa Alvarez, San Tia, Leslie Lopez, and Jessica Guardado. “It really is our tutors’ event, which is really fulfilling,” says Writing Center Director Mrs. Crespo. Many participants of all grade levels delivered passionate performances, from honors students to some of the Writing Center’s very own staff and students interested in poetry and having their voice heard, The Poetry Slam serves as a vehicle for students to express themselves through writing. “Poetry is meant to be heard,” says Writing Center Director Mrs. Crespo. “When poets are particularly passionate, you can feel it in the audience, and it’s a really cool kind of communal experience.”
