Poetry Night, which was hosted by the Timberview African Student Association (TASA), raised $900 for the Asante Africa Foundation. The December event featured students performing select and original titles in the PAC.

“We definitely made our goal plus more,” TASA Treasurer Naa Bruce said. “It was sold out to the point (that) we sold tickets for standing.”

Over 25 students tried out for the event.

“The audition (was) for me to see their poems,” TASA Sponsor Nicole Collins said. “Poetry is something personal, so I rather they (students) work on their delivery than say it’s not good enough.”

The cost for admission was varied.

“It (the price) was $3 for presale (tickets) and $5 at the door,” Collins said.

Junior Kalila Reed said she prepared daily for her part.

“I go home, study and practice 24/7 so that I won’t get nervous and forget on stage,” she said.

Collins said she desired for students to deliver a message that viewers could relate to.

“I wanted the audience to be pleased and students to express themselves without fear,” she said.

Junior Marti Woodley said she used Poetry Night as an outlet to express herself.

“I can present any type of emotion that I feel inside,” she said. “I can write my own ballads down and it will transform into my own piece of art.”

Poetry Night themes varied.

“The night was above my expectations; I loved how powerful they (the poets) spoke,” junior Autumn Faggett said. “The message was about real stuff that everyone could connect with.”