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Regie Gibson Rocks NHS Cover Picture

Regie Gibson Rocks NHS

January 13, 2020 by Maddie Hjulstrom

"It was the first assembly that we have had in four years where I felt entertained and that the speaker was there speaking directly to us. His interaction and rhythm kept us on the edge of our seats. He was spitting fire. Mr. Gibson was incredibly versatile." Zaire Rivers (senior)

"Regie Gibson is outstanding. He came in prepared to tailor his remarks to the Nantucket student body and he did not disappoint. Every one of his poems related to our curriculum. The students were animated, engaged, and hooked on his presentation. His use of language and ability to relate to young people and current world issues was fabulous." Liz Reinemo (teacher)

Regie Gibson's visit to Nantucket High School on January 9 will long be remembered as a favorite by both students and teachers. As The Nantucket Book Foundation's first Visiting Poet, Regie did not disappoint, getting the auditorium full of high schoolers to clap, call back a refrain, and whoop in delight at his brilliant and exhilarating performance. (See for yourself here.) Later that evening, participants in the Poetry Out Loud competition were treated to another example of Regie's gift as he shared his own life story with them in spoken verse. His outreach to our students was a remarkable demonstration of the beauty and musicality of poetry, and its ability to express every aspect of our lives.

Our sincere gratitude to the Nantucket Golf Club Foundation and to the Nantucket Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, for the grant funding which supported Regie's visit to our island.

Photos by Tim Ehrenberg, Brand New - Nantucket