14 students auditioned for the Poetry Slam team at lunch on Tuesday and Thursday in front of an audience of peers that filled room 155 to the brim.

Performing their 3-4 minute pieces of original spoken-word poetry, the students attempted to earn their spot on the school’s slam team, advised by English teachers Jeff Ryan and Alex Franklin.

The team, including three returning poets, will compete against Tam and Drake in the district slam competition in the spring. Although only six poems are performed per team during competitions, there is no limit to the number of team members.

“We can have up to 7,000 people on the team, so if you add talent to the team then you will make it,” said English teacher Mr. Franklin.

The scene at lunch was one of anticipation, as excited students fiddled with their sheets of paper or added sentences as time trickled down until their turn.

Fingers tapped, feet shuffled, nerves kicked in for many auditioners, including sophomore Kate Rapoff.

“I prepared by saying my slam over and over for the past two weeks, everywhere I go, even in the shower.” said Kate Rapoff, whose poem was titled “I love you.”

Poems ranged from personal problems to crazy rants, but all were delivered with passion and purpose.

The team will start preparing for competitions in a few weeks after the roster is announced.