I began the new school year (following the month-long program) full of
enthusiasm and ideas for projects, most of which revolved around poetry.
Ellsworth High School's involvement in the Poetry Out Loud Program
increased. By the end of the school year, all of my English classes were
involved in a week long poetry workshop with a local poet which resulted
in the production of a chapbook titled "Project 312: An Ecclectic Hodge
Podge of Original Student Poetry." Over 280 poems were written in
association with the project (which was made possible by a grant form the
Maine Arts Commission.)

We have since formed a poetry club with plans of hosting an open mic
coffee house, open to teachers, staff, and students in honor of poetry
month (April.) We are also in the process of writing another grant to pay
for transportation to attend a live poetry event.

I recently completed my manuscript of original poetry (30 years worth) and
recently submitted it for publication. Three years ago, I edited the book
"Maine Short, Short Stories As Told by Just Ned." My experience working
with the MWP has opened up many doors and given me the opportunity to
connect with fellow teachers, writers, students, and members of the art
community. I can't imagine that I would be where I am had I not had the opportunity
to be a part of the Maine Writing Project. I have encouraged many of my
fellow colleagues to participate... It would be a shame if they didn't
have the chance.