Bringing Poetry to Life With Dead Poets Society Club

   As a part of their English class, every student has had the opportunity to explore the world of poetry. From Shakespeare to Poe, the skillfully crafted pieces encapsulate readers and tug on heartstrings. But after the unit ends, it’s back to novels and essays. What about new poetry enthusiasts looking for more? West High’s Dead Poets Society Club serves as a great outlet for those creative minds to experience poetry of all kinds, even outside the classroom. 

   Audrey Sanders (11) is the president, ICC representative, and founder of the Dead Poets Society Club. By holding multiple roles in the club, her hands can get quite filled as she’s responsible for planning all the lessons and different activities, teaching poetry during lunch, and coordinating the meeting dates. According to club adviser and English teacher Mr. Cheung, Sanders “came to me about the club. It was her idea entirely.”

   Sanders explained the club was inspired by the 1989 movie, “Dead Poets Society Club,” starring Robin Williams, about a group of high school boys inspired to form a poetry club and discover who they really are. 

   During their monthly lunch meetings on the second Friday of the month, Sanders and the rest of the board members go over different forms of poetry and offer examples of how to write it. Sanders also noted that this might change throughout the year, as it is the first year of the club being established. 

   If you’re interested in learning about poetry and how to write your own, there is a space waiting for you in the Dead Poets Society Club!