We previously reported that BHSS senior Shelby Newland won the State Poetry Out Loud Competition, earning herself a spot in the national competition in Washington, D.C.. After weeks of mental preparation and practice recitations, Shelby finally performed at the National Semi-Finals today at the Lisner Auditorium. Newland performed the poem “Try to Praise the Mutilated World,” a performance which BHSS Englih 9/W131 teacher Sheila Mcdermott-Sipe described as “gorgeous.” Newland will perform again shortly, and the competition will conclude tomorrow with the Finals.