FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2008
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Pathways Academy students take top awards in state Poetry Slam

Jobs for Florida’s Graduates sponsored student leadership conference and poetry slam

Two of Florida Community College’s charter school Pathways Academy students took the top two awards and a third placed in the top 10 in the “Jobs for Florida’s Graduates” Poetry Slam state tournament in Tallahassee April 2. Kourtney Armentrout took first place and Mary Corby was judged second-place winner. Cassie Barker placed in the top 10.

The students won the opportunity to attend an all-expense paid trip to the JFG Student Leadership Conference and Poetry Slam through their participation in JFG and a Poetry Slam at FCCJ in February. While in Tallahassee the students toured the State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and participated in leadership workshops. Students met with legislators including Senator Steve Wise, a key supporter of JFG, and they had one-on-one poetry coaching sessions with Taylor Mali, teacher, poet and four-time national poetry slam champion coach.

Each of the students performed their original works, based on the theme “My Destiny-My Decision.” Dozens of students from statewide JFG program locations participated, with Pathways students taking the top two awards and altogether three of the top 10.

For more information about Pathways Academy call 904.633.8125.