To the Editor:
April was National Poetry Month, and I’d like to offer a word of appreciation for Tryon Fine Arts Center’s Be Inspired Grants (B.I.G.), which have recently helped bring poetry to life for students at Polk Central Elementary School.
The fifth grade girls in Ms. Walter’s class wrote and illustrated a variety of original poems, then sent them off to be made into books.
On the day the class received their books, each girl read aloud a favorite poem from her collection.  Just think:  these students are now published poets, each in possession of a bound volume of her own creations.
In addition, the entire third grade class read poems together, studied different poetic forms and rhythms, wrote their own poems, and prepared an event – Poetry Cafe — to present their poetry live before an audience.
On the appointed day each of 53 third graders stood in turn before an assembly of family and friends, microphone in hand, and read selected poems.
The poets and their poems were both delightful.  Each read with confidence, and if anyone was nervous, it didn’t show!
TFAC’s B.I.G. program also helps fund other artistic endeavors in area schools.  Teachers in Polk and Spartanburg County schools have received classroom grants up to $500 for projects designed to increase student achievement through the arts.  Projects include music, literature, visual arts, theater, and crafts.   As a result of B.I.G. grants teachers have been able to offer students experiences beyond what is available through regular funding sources.
This is a great idea, and deserving of community support.  For more information, contact Marianne Carruth at Tryon Fine Arts Center.

– David Riddle, Saluda