Poland Seminary High School has participated in Youngstown State University’s English Festival for multiple years now, and it has been a formative experience for many students. Approximately 3,000 students from Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana County attend this event each Spring. The event consists of students reading seven novels and then taking assessments on them to further their knowledge. Once these tasks are completed the students spend a day at YSU mingling with students from other schools and speaking with authors
Lori Moncilovich facilitates the event for grades seven through nine at PSHS and Mrs. Smith does the same for grades ten through twelve. When I interviewed Moncilovich on the matter, I asked her how the festival benefits students and she had this to say:
“The festival extends their knowledge and helps them become familiar with what expectations are beyond the classroom.”
The students recognize this in due to the activities and quizzes as they provide a higher level of learning than they experience daily. When I asked Poland Seminary student, Allie Nigh, about this, she stated the following:
“The mentors during the different courses throughout the day provided me with new perspectives about reading and writing.”
This excitement and new outlook is partially due to the variety of genres and styles chosen for the books. Each year the seven books range in level of understanding and depth, when I asked Moncilovich about this, she stated this:
“Yes, each year I am always pleased with the variety of genres there is…”
Moreover, the event provides multiple levels of learning to the students and serves as a great opportunity for students to branch out and make connections that may help them later in life.
Students can still sign up for grades 10-12 with Mrs. Smith. The deadline is closely approaching. The books are listed at the YSU English Festival’s main website.
Overall, the event is an engaging and immersive experience for students and staff alike as it provides intense learning opportunities and showcases standout students in the community.
