11/19/2010 10:00:00 AMCleveland students voice opinions on “The Decision” at poetry slam

November 18, 2010,  9:32 am

By Heather Taylor, WOIO-TV community web producer

From newscasters to comedians, many have had their chance to weigh in on LeBron’s decision. Some of those most affected by LeBron’s move were the children who looked up to him. Tyrone Ellis, an 11-year-old 5th-grader from Cleveland’s Wade Park K-8 School, and his America SCORES Cleveland (SCORES) teammates represent those children. On Nov. 19, it is their chance to be heard.

“I’m very nervous. I’ve performed in front of people, but I’ve never performed before a lot of people,” Tyrone shared when asked about his pcoming performance in America SCORES Cleveland’s Poetry SLAM!

Tyrone expects his nerves to subside while performing with his team of 15 male classmates, grades 3-5, before 17 other America SCORES Cleveland teams and their families at Cleveland State University’s Waetjen Auditorium.

Their poem is so special that Tyrone did not want to give too much away. “It’s about what LeBron James did to Cleveland,” he reluctantly said when pushed. The team’s poem “What Should I Do?” alludes to LeBron James’ Nike commercial as well as his decision.

Like most Clevelanders, these boys have a strong opinion. “Poetry helps our participants to organize and express their feelings,” said Debra Pence-Meyenberg, Executive Director of America SCORES Cleveland. “The Poetry SLAM! stage is the perfect place for Cleveland youth to share everything from their frustrations about “The Decision” to their love of soccer.”

In addition to 18 group performances, 18 team representatives will perform original poems – solo. As one of the 18 individual poets, Tyrone also has the opportunity to be selected as one of two SCORES participants, one male and one female, to go to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! in New York City in April, all expenses paid. He will perform his original poem, “The Feeling of Colors.”

The Poetry SLAM! is open to the public. More than 400 parents, CMSD staff and community leaders are expected to attend the event honoring 288 Cleveland elementary school students. The America SCORES Cleveland Poetry SLAM! will run from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at Cleveland State University’s Waetjen Auditorium.