It was an evening of entertainment and artistic daring as Oxford High School students showcased their creativity and talents using words, music and even a little improv comedy.
CC’s Cyber Cafe hosted Open Mic Night Oct. 11, an annual event put on by the Oxford Writers? Club. About 40 students attended.
‘We host the Open Mic as an outlet for students to express themselves,? said the club’s adviser Crystal Corbett, a language arts teacher at the high school.
This is the first time the club has held the event anywhere other than the high school’s media center.
‘We thought (CC’s Cyber Cafe) was more of a laid back atmosphere,? Corbett said.
For two hours, students took turns at the microphone doing everything from reading poetry to playing guitar.
Freshman Kimberly Degroot and Junior Amanda Castleman drew much applause and rave reviews from the audience for their original poems.
Perhaps the most interesting performance of the evening was an improv comedy skit involving a takeoff on the old televison show ‘The Dating Game.?
Based on the amusing responses to her questions, bachelorette senior Marsha McMunn had to guess who her three mystery bachelors were.
In case you missed it, the bachelors were Jesus (sophomore Paul Belmonte), Chewbacca (senior Jake Havener) and actor Dane Cook (senior Josh Hibdon).
The Oxford Writers? Club meets at the high school twice a month on Thursdays to engage in creative writing, read each other’s work and refine their skills.
‘One of our main goals is to encourage other students in their writing and their creativity,? Corbett said. ‘We have some students who enjoy drawing. We have some that enjoy writing music. Some write poetry. Some write short stories. A few are working on novels.?
‘Many students are involved in lots of different activities, but it seems like Writers? Club appeals to kids that have a creative side that maybe doesn’t have an outlet,? she explained. ‘This is a place where they can go and express themselves.?
Once a year in May, the Writers? Club publishes a book consisting of original works authored by students and even teachers. Open Mic Night raises funds to help make this publication possible.
Last week’s event raised $90.