Montana Poetry Out Loud

First Place: Molly Ogan

Molly Ogan is a Junior. She loves writing and reciting poetry inspired by her hometown of Butte, Montana. She believes in the power of words to create a better world. She aspires to put this belief into practice by attending the University of Montana to study to become a high school English teacher and published poet. Her personal philosophy is borrowed from Jack Kerouac; “Rest and be kind, you have nothing to prove.”

Second Place: Laurina Barbosa

Laurina Barbosa is a junior this year. She is student council president and part of her school’s yearbook staff. Laurina enjoys public speaking, and recently qualified for the national speech and debate tournament in dramatic interpretation. Her hobbies include dance, theater, and crafting. She is looking forward to attending fashion and business school after her high school career so one day she can become a seamstress and own her own boutique.

Third Place: Jake Dunker

Jake Dunker is 17 years old and is a junior. Jake was born in Arizona and moved to Montana in 2012. Throughout his high school career, he has worked; been involved in many extracurricular activities and clubs such as National Honor Society and speech and debate; and has attended summer classes through the University of Montana and Harvard University. Jake hopes to study genetics and molecular biology in college.