Saint Martin de Porres Academy 8th graders wrote and presented persuasive speeches arguing why specific books were deserving of the SMPA Literature Award. The presentation concluded their four years of growth as readers and writers at Saint Martin de Porres Academy.
- grabs the reader’s attention;
- fosters a connection to a well-developed character;
- leaves the reader with a message to apply to his/her own life.
Each 8th grader delivered a persuasive speech from the point of view of the characters from the various class texts read at SMPA. One group of students chose The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton, dressing as characters from the book during their speeches.
A team of faculty judges awarded the inaugural SMPA Literature Award to Jamie who offered an emotional portrayal of the character of Emma, a slave who was sold in the story Day of Tears, by Julius Lester.
Jamie said:
“I am free. I was trapped. I am a human who was treated inhumanely. I lost the most important thing to me. But after my struggle, I am still here more alive than ever.”
SMPA 8th graders dressed as the Greasers from The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.
SMPA’s English curriculum is committed to enabling all students to become life-long readers, writers and critical thinkers.
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