A shared appreciation for the written word brought students, teachers and administrators together at Wantagh Middle School on May 2. The English department hosted the ninth annual Word on the Street literacy celebration.

String lights and a cityscape background gave the lower cafeteria a coffee shop vibe. The celebration was hosted by English teacher Chrissie Hult, with student Carolyn Sottnik serving as the master of ceremonies.

There were 21 performances by students and adults. They could read a published poem, a book or a song lyric, or share an original poem. Eighth graders create a poetry collection in English class, and many of the readers selected a piece from this. Some of the noted poets whose work was featured included Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe. 

Word on the Street closed out with all of the performers coming together to recite Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”