SSHS creative writers present their work at Grizzly Claw

SEELEY LAKE - On Jan. 17, students from Seeley-Swan High School Creative Writing Class performed a public reading of their literary works at the Grizzly Claw Trading Co. Ten students, in all grades, participated in the event.

SSHS Creative Writing Teacher Lori Messenger organized the event. Messenger has been teaching the Creative Writing class for five years. She has held public readings for the class at the end of the first semester every year in different locations including Missoula. This was the first reading to have been held at the Grizzly Claw.

Messenger said she has found that public readings help many students overcome fears of speaking publicly, it motivates them to publish their work and allows them to experience success on a completely different level.

"It's mind-blowing for the audience to hear authentic thoughts and ideas that come out of young people's minds," said Messenger. "Even if the material is sad, it always makes them happy."

SSHS Senior Kyle Peltier has been a part of the Creative Writing class since his freshman year.

"I have learned that writing is so much more than words on paper," said Peltier. "But out of everything I have learned, the most important thing is about family. Even though we aren't blood in the class, we truly are like a second family and we are always connected because our words have brought us together."

Before the event, the students all shared feelings of anxiety or nervousness. But afterward, they were relieved and content because of the positive feedback they received.

"Before the reading, I was so nervous. I couldn't stay still and all I could think about was how many things could go wrong," said Crystal Lopez, a freshman attending her first year in the Creative Writing Class. "Everyone was so supportive and made me want to share everything and having my family and my friends behind me after was a relief."

The Creative Writing class would like to thank the Grizzly Claw Trading Co. for allowing them a place to host their event. They would also like to thank Messenger for teaching the class and giving them this opportunity.

"I think the reading was a huge success and I am so proud of everyone who read," said Nicole Williams, a senior in the Creative Writing class and one of the emcees for the event. "I think everyone did a spectacular job and we can only get better from here."

 

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