16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
OC RYSE: Amplifying youth voices
Poetry is a powerful, multifaceted force, and the Orange County Regional Youth Slam Event, an annual high school poetry slam hosted by the Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana, undoubtedly delivers that message. Bringing together talented students from across Southern California, it has been established as the largest county-wide youth poetry slam in the state.
From schools such as OCSA, University High School, Sage Hill High School, and La Habra High School, 38 students celebrated the slam's 11th year running at the Michael F. Harrah Sympohny Hall on March 8, 2025, where OC RYSE served as a platform for teen poets to engage in creative expression, showcase their skills, participate in a competitive art form, and amplify their voices.
OC RYSE is the largest county-wide youth slam in California The Power of Spoken Word Poetry
By tasking participants with responding to an existing poem with their own creative piece, OC RYSE goes beyond a poetry slam–it is an unparalleled opportunity for discovering the extensive range of poetry. Sailee Charlu, a sophomore in the Creative Writing conservatory at OCSA, described the event as 'a space for students to express their experiences through the power of spoken word.' The unique format allowed participants to use the Original Poem they chose to empower their voices, shaping something entirely of their own out of the pre-existing works. The attention to creative freedom was a canvas for a blend of shared and individual viewpoints, demonstrating that OC RYSE is about writing poetry as well as creating connections and broadening perspectives.
What makes this poetry slam noteworthy is its distinct ability to promote literacy by encouraging students to explore the deeper layers and themes of their writing. As the art form requires articulation of thoughts and feelings, writing poetry demands introspection and emotional intelligence. The vast range of issues that were important to modern youth was clear through the sheer diversity of topics that were covered. From social justice to mental health, family dynamics to identity, each student shared a story that reflected cogitation and thoughtfulness. An Incomparable Community
As each poet took the stage, peers showed appreciation for their work through cheers, applause, and snaps, creating an atmosphere that was electric with enthusiasm. Additionally, the interaction between poets and judges further emphasized the building of community through art. Poet and Cal State Long Beach professor Patty Seyburn, who has been a judge at OC RYSE for ten years and plans to continue her involvement, has witnessed firsthand how powerful this platform is for adolescent voices. When asked why poetry and writing are important to teenage communities, Seyburn said, 'At this moment, it's pivotal to be able to express oneself, but also to understand how to express yourself in a way that transforms it into art, that helps you reach out and connect with other people; it is crucially important.' The performance that evening proved that poetry is an invaluable means for youth to process the ever-changing and uncertain world around them and share their concerns with each other.
In the case of judges like Seyburn, OC RYSE was a window into the questions and values of teenage communities that would otherwise be difficult to acquire. For student poets, OC RYSE was an invitation to confront difficult issues, whether personal or universal, through an art form that created a profound sense of solidarity between participants and bonded students from various voices, regardless of what their stories entailed. In the end, it became apparent that poetry is a bridge that connects us all. A Vehicle for Growth
The experience that OC RYSE offered was not limited to the poets but also extended to the audience and judges, anyone who witnessed the raw emotion and artistry that filled the space. A sophomore in OCSA's Creative Writing Conservatory, Rebecca Yang, said: 'OC RYSE is a way for people to come together as a community to share and be heard by other people around them. It's so fun to be with everyone and understand other poets but also understand yourself in the process.'
The event was also a chance for students to experiment and express with their writing in a supportive environment, offering poetry as an instrument for personal growth and creative exploration. Poet and OC RYSE judge Dorothy Barresi said, 'For me, OC RYSE is about experiencing the artistic impulse and celebrating the artistic impulse, particularly as it makes itself felt in our lives in words and language.' What's more, the slam's ability to transform individual voices into a collective force is crucial in a world where youth often feel unheard or misunderstood. OC RYSE cultivates a space where perspectives can be articulated through poetry and teens can claim agency over their narratives, holding the pen to their own dialogues. A Lasting Impact
OC RYSE continues to remain a beacon for young poets seeking to leave an indelible mark on society through the impact of their words. It is clear that the event not only celebrates the art of poetry but also fosters a culture of diversity, intellectual engagement, and creativity. As student poets perform, they offer a view of the next generation, shedding light on issues that affect their futures, their environments, and themselves.
The legacy of OC RYSE is palpable: it nurtures the creativity and voices of teens, encouraging them to continue contributing to the ongoing conversation about the importance of youth in the arts. By emphasizing individuality and community, vulnerability and artistry, OC RYSE amplifies the powerful messages that these young poets bring to the stage as they etch their names on the cultural landscape of Orange County and beyond. Related
