Those in attendance at “Poetry Slam 2026,” an event of April 16, 2026 at the Todd County Public Library, shared how much the evening’s poetry presentations meant to them.
Ms. Rosemarie Cowherd Grice-Wurth, a TCCHS graduate and former English teacher, commented the event showcased once again the artistic abilities of the presenters as well as the writings of selected poets. The evening, which was organized by Nancy Dye and Carolyn Wells, former English teachers at TCCHS as well as past sponsors of student productions at TCCHS, saw a total of 25 presenters. Dr. Amanda Hayes, Todd County Public Library Director, shared with the audience of about 50 that at a recent statewide meeting in Frankfort with other public library directors that several of the directors commented on hearing about the success of last year’s “Poetry Slam,” also asking Dr. Hayes how Todd County was able to make the event such a successful one.
Some of the presenters were former students of Dye and Wells with several formerly winning statewide speech competitions while they were students at TCCHS. Though not required, several presenters memorized their selections and presented them verbatim. This year’s presenters included siblings Dr. Todd Campbell and Dr. Thomasine Campbell-Hassell, two with a background in education and public service, two of the three children of Frank and Brenda Campbell McReynolds. Two other presenters were Tyler Gill and his daughter, Emilie. Gill, a semi-retired lawyer and judge, shared a poem with humor, and Emilie, also an illustrator and pianist, shared one of her own poems that reflected her amazing creativity. Other presenters for the evening included Dr. Amanda Hayes, Rosemarie Cowherd Grice-Wurth, Lindsay Slack Hoedemaker, Harold “Doc” Arnett, Deanie Powell, Jeff A. Rogers, Judy Anderson Donnelly, Samantha McIntyre Wagoner, Angela Lewis McKee, Margaret Johnson Snardon, Mike Kenner, Autumn Rager, Marguerite Kirkpatrick, Glenn Slack, Adam Farley, Lee Williams, Andy Miller, Dr. Jaime Dye Holder, Anne Lucas Stahl, Carolyn L. Wells, and Nancy Dye. “Doc” Arnett, who graduated as salutatorian of his 8th grade class at Trenton Elementary, traveled the greatest distance with a trek of over 500 miles from Kansas.
Adam Farley, a young father of three who now makes his home in Guthrie and operates a private hearing healthcare practice, stated although he did not attend TCCHS, his three children will become TCCHS graduates. Dye, who taught oral communications and drama at TCCHS for many years, encouraged all present to promote the revitalization of those subject areas at TCCHS. Dye messaged, “‘Poetry Slam 2026’ was just purely wonderful. We had both old and young and in the middle readers who had obviously put great care and craft into their selections – either original or from a poetry icon like Yeats or Robert Penn Warren. Most readers needed no microphone for their loud, clear voices, so their hands were free to animate their performances. It certainly showed the depth of talent Todd County has always had to draw from. My old heart is thrilled!”
Those who attended and performed included several from the area as well as videotaped presentations from across the country. Dye and Wells both express thanks to the staff of the Todd County Public Library and to Historic Todd County, Inc. and the Green River Academy for their support of the event. Laura Brock, a director for both organizations, also provided invaluable assistance organizing the light refreshments served to those present. A donation jar was also available for all in attendance with the donations gleaned being split between the GRA and HTC in their efforts with the rehabilitation of the Green River Academy and the Historic 1835 Todd County Courthouse. Dye and Dr. Hayes both expressed their excitement anticipating next year’s event, one occurring the past two years during April, National Poetry Month.
Note – A Facebook Live of the “Poetry Slam” is available on the Facebook page of Carolyn L. Wells. However, the sound is low and requires careful listening. The video is also running vertically rather than horizontally. It is easier to watch on a phone or tablet. I was able to up the volume when I viewed the video on my television.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
April 17, 2026
