Poetry Week

by Claire Cho ‘28 and Joy Kim ‘28

From April 21st to the 24th, the St. Mark’s community celebrated Poetry Week with various events. Students and faculty noticed poems printed across every surface of the school, from classroom doors to hallway walls. A special poetry section in the library featured classic and contemporary poetry throughout the week, and Pick-A-Poem themed boxes were offered.

The week presented fun challenges that engaged students in the art of writing poetry. On April 21st, the Haiku-for-an-Ice-Cream-Sundae event was hosted in the Lion’s Den. Students wrote original spring-themed haikus on a piece of paper and made a sundae. Moreover, that week’s chapel featured the themes of Poetry and Earth Day, where original works of poetry depicting scenes of nature were recited. On the 23rd, a Magnetic Poetry Wall Contest was held, and students created poems from fragments of words.

All week, every English class at St. Mark’s competed for the coveted prize of a pizza party. The poems were collaborative efforts among all students, with each person contributing to one line of poetry. Additionally, Poetry Week pens were sold to raise funds for the PEN Organization, an organization that supports the freedom to write. 

The poetry contest winners are listed below: 

• Best Poem With Image Winner: Addie Zhang ("Falling in 4s")

• Best Blackout Poem: Gianna Zhang (untitled)

• Best Magnetic Poem Winner: Cici Zou (untitled)

• Best Snail-Themed Poem: Alisa Zou ("Snail")

• Best Faculty Poem: Maggie Caron ("The Books")

• Best Exquisite Corpse Collaborative Poem: Mr. Leonardis' SLG E block* 

The following is Gianna Zhang’s Blackout Poem, untitled:

Overall, Poetry Week exhibited the remarkable creativity of St. Markers. It provided a fruitful opportunity for all members of the community to revel in the energy of sharing and publishing their unique art. 

All State & Junior District Festival

by Lily Oh ‘27 and Moon Chen ‘29

For many student musicians, the Massachusetts All-State and Junior District Festivals are the highlights of the year, with intense rehearsals and incredible music alongside talented musicians from across the district and state. This year, several St. Mark’s students earned spots in these prestigious ensembles, representing the school through orchestra, band, and choir performances. 

Ella Yu ‘28, Lily Oh ‘27, Moon Chen ‘29, Si Ah Jang ‘27, and Fiji Chen ‘28 participated in different ensembles at the All-State Festival: Orchestra, Concert band, SSAA, and SATB Choir. 

For the Orchestra, Lily and Ella performed under conductor Nick Palmer. They played crowd-favorite pieces, including Gustav Holst’s Mars, the Bringer of War, and Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets, along with the iconic Star Wars Main Theme. Between the intense brass entrances, dramatic rhythms, and instantly recognizable melodies, the program was definitely one of the loudest of the weekend.

Moon Chen ‘29 participated in the All-State Concert Band under conductor Michael J. Coburn. The ensemble performed Deciduous by Viet Cuong, The Pride of the Wolverines by John Philip Sousa, and Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry. When asked about a favorite piece, Moon immediately picked Deciduous, which quickly became a favorite among many performers because of its intensity and unique sound.

Si Ah Jang ‘27 represented St. Mark’s in the SSAA All Women’s Choir conducted by Alysia Lee. Their repertoire included pieces such as Landslide, Water Fountain, To Sit and Dream, Les Papillons, and No Time. Fiji Chen also participated in the SATB Choir under conductor Heather Mitchell, performing Hymn of Axiom and My Soul's Been Anchored by Moses Hogan. From emotional ballads to powerful choral moments, the choirs brought a completely different kind of energy to the festival. 

St. Mark’s students also made a strong showing at the Massachusetts Junior District Festival. Justin Yang ‘29 and David Lim ‘29 performed in the Junior District Orchestra, tackling everything from the dramatic Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah to Tchaikovsky’s intense Marche Slave. 

For Justin, the most memorable part was not even the music itself. “My conductor for Junior Districts was incredibly helpful and brought enthusiasm to the room,” he said. “He really took the time to help us improve while still making long rehearsals fun.”

Jerry Cui ’29 and Elizabeth Fontes ’29 also represented St. Mark’s in the Junior District Choir, joining singers from across Massachusetts for a weekend filled with rehearsals, performances, and new friendships.

Although the festivals are famous for their competitive auditions and difficult repertoire, students agreed that the best parts often happened between rehearsals: bonding over chaotic sectionals, trying not to fall asleep during breaks, and late-night McDonald’s runs after long days of music-making. Spending entire weekends surrounded by people who care just as deeply about music created an atmosphere that felt both intense and unforgettable.

Again, congratulations to all of the St. Mark’s students who participated this year for representing the school with talent, dedication, and enthusiasm; and also for surviving the rehearsal marathons along the way! 

GO LIONS