By Rukhshona Islamova – News –
Slam poetry and football, an unusual pair, but supportive of each other nonetheless. Mike Pittz is a big fan of both Lincoln High’s football and slam poetry teams. He is also a family friend of English teacher Deborah McGinn. When she told him she wished there was a way slam poetry could commemorate the football team’s 8-2 season, he had an idea.
Pittz called the NSAA and asked how he could go about designing and making a trophy that would honor a great season. They got back to him with an idea and a sketch. Pittz got the trophy made, and surprised Ms. McGinn with it in early November. He donated it to the football team, in the name of the slam poetry team. McGinn was ecstatic because one of her favorite parts of being a teacher is collaboration,
“This was an outside of the box way to say thank you, from one group of Lincoln High students that do exceedingly well to another.” McGinn said.
She was very clear that when she gave permission for the trophy to be from the LHS Slam Poetry team she was most definitely not doing it for the attention. She was just happy that unlikely teams were supporting each other. Mark Macke, head coach of the football team agreed.
“It is a wonderful gesture on the part of slam poetry. It is much appreciated,” Macke said.
The trophy is on display in the main office.