Impossible Possibilities hosted its 5th Annual Sik’lik Youth Poetry Slam at the Kimbell Art Museum’s Renzo Piano Pavilion on Nov. 21, 2015.

The Sik’lik program enhances writing, presentation skills and overall self-esteem by giving students an opportunity to perform original poetry in front of an audience of their peers. Approximately 65 middle and high-school students participated in the writing and performance workshop hosted by national-award winning poet Mike Guinn, 27 of whom later competed in a two-round poetry slam competition.

Former 2013 Sik’lik Champion Dillion Youngblood (Chisolm Trail) reclaimed the high school division title with a perfect score of 60 over two rounds, while Conor Jennings (TKG Academy) took home top middle school honors.

"We had our largest attendance to date with more than 125 students and guests,” Executive Director Joshua Hernandez said. “This program continues to attract new participants every year, and we’re proud to host an event where students are free to express themselves in a friendly and encouraging environment.”

Additional entertainment was provided by Fort Worth-based singer/songwriter Kelsey Lewis, who performed for the students in attendance and also shared insight into the creative writing process.

High School

1. Dillion Youngblood (Junior, Chisholm Trail High School)
2. Brandon Sanders (Freshman, Marine Creek Collegiate High School)
3. Clara Tollesen (Sophomore, Weatherford High School)
4. Alison Villasana (Junior, Western Hills High School)
5. Tia Crooks (Sophomore, Lighthouse Preparatory)

Middle School

1. Conor Jennings (Seventh Grade, TKG Academy)
2. Caroline Bennett (Sixth Grade, Smith Middle School)
3. Ryan Leseberg (Fifth Grade, Stephenville)