Poetry Fest 2025 Captivates Chapel

In an array of styles, rhythms, and even languages, the performers of the 2025 Poetry Fest kept the Belmont Hill community hanging on each line and word of their recitations. Ten students representing five different forms took to the stage in Hamilton Chapel and showcased why the School dedicates time each year to celebrate this powerful and universal expression of writing.  

The following boys were recognized with Distinctive Recitations: Marco Pena ‘28, Alex Chen ‘27, and Andrew Agular ‘28.

Below is a complete list of the worthy finalists and their selected poems: 

Will Achtmeyer (V): “Never Mind” by Leonard Cohen

Alex Isaac (I): “The Gift Outright” by Robert Frost

Marco Pena (III): “Achilles’ Speech in the Underworld”

Alex Chen (IV): “The Sunshine Kid” by Harry Baker

Ben Qin (II): “The Laughing Heart” by Charles Bukowski

Andrew Agular (III): “Walking Around” by Pablo Neruda

Nicky Jones (V): “Intricately Woven” by Clive Norman

Ryan Ho (III): “There are no Kings in America” by Aileen Cassinetto

Arun Lenhart (II): “Preludes” by T.S. Eliot

Babikir Saeed (V): “America” by Claude McKay