During the month of April, New Hampton School celebrated National Poetry Month with an all-school poetry contest that highlighted the creativity, insight, and individuality of our student writers. The Annual Arts Awards on Friday, May 8, provided the opportunity to recognize this year’s honorees.
English Department Head Austin Arkell expressed his gratitude to all who submitted work throughout the month, noting that this year’s contest drew more than 40 entries from across the community. Honorable Mention awards were presented to Eric Zhang ’27 and Howard Zhang ’28 for their thoughtful submissions. Grace Becker ’27 earned third place for her poem “Untitled,” while Ellie Baskins ’27 received second place for “Stinger,” a reflective piece centered on the life of a bee. Taking the top prize was Luna McCulloch ’26 for “Wild Thing,” a powerful poem exploring her experiences growing up.
We are proud to celebrate all of the students who shared their voices and creativity through poetry this spring. Included here are “Stinger” and “Wild Thing” for all to enjoy.
—
Wild Thing
by Luna McCulloch
Wild Thing
Unruly hair, grass-stained knees,
Palms gripping dandelions, grinning with a half-toothed smile,
Barefoot I ran through my future halls and playing fields,
Ring around the Rosie between the cafeteria’s entrance doors
occupied my mealtime,
I was a wild thing once, just like you.
Now I walk these same halls with a backpack on my back,
A cold brew melting in my hand,
While you streak past like something untamed,
Your babysitter yells slow down
While I want to tell you, don’t.
I know how the grass feels between bare toes,
How a dandelion is a treasure worth always carrying,
How the cafeteria doors are a game,
How the upper pond is a grand ocean.
I used to crawl where you stand with dreams of being tame,
And now I’m leaving hollow-chested and diploma bound.
The grass will be here,
The pond still endless to someone,
Someone else clinging to something gold.
I cannot stay forever,
But I was a wild thing once.
—
Stinger
By Ellie Baskins
Would a Bee still sting if it knew it would die?
Cost it, it’s life.
Does the Bee know that when it feels a threat and
Pierces the skin,
It will also be its last breath.
So often we buzz around,
judge that bee when it falls to the ground.
But at least the bee could fly.
—
