Hoover High holds poetry slam

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A poetry slam took place Friday at Hoover High School.

Six out of about 250 students competed for the top two spots. The event was put on by 11th-grade English teachers. Students from each class chose two people to represent them in Friday's competition.

Organizers say this particular genre of poetry is mean to be political and allow students to voice and share their ideas and experiences. "Something that sounds pleasing to the ear," teacher Kristen Norton said. "There should be rhythm, there should be devices like metaphors or personification that make it separate from just a speech on an issue."

Fresno's poet laureate Lee Herrick and Fresno State professor and author Connie Hales served as judges.