MCHS – Students find poetry, commonality with older adults

Library Commissioner Roe Schriener talks poetry with Mira Costa students. Photo by Hibah Samad

 by Hibah Samad/MBUSD 

Mira Costa students in Shannon Vaughan’s creative writing class participated in a unique intergenerational poetry writing session through the City of Manhattan Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department’s Older Adults Poetry Circle program.  

Members taught students how to write short poems through a technique called “Writing Poetry from the Inside Out.” The session took place on February 8. 

The writing session started with the older adult visitors sharing with students how they write poetry and what inspires them. Students began by choosing a group of words and then turning those words into sentences and finally a poem. English Teacher Shannon Vaughan has taught for 34 years at MCHS and in 2009 was recognized as the LA County Teacher of the Year. She has continued this intergenerational poetry tradition for the past 16 years. 

The experience each year provides students an opportunity not only to learn about poetry but also to build lasting friendships. Several students said the event is one of the highlights of their school year. This visit was extra special, as Manhattan Beach Library Commission members joined in on the experience. 

“I think it is important that the different generations learn from each other, form new friendships, and these meetings give everyone a sense of purpose,” Vaughan said. 

Eric Grow was one of the older adults who led the poetry circle and has children in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. As a former English teacher of 20 years, he said it’s always nice to return to the classroom in this way. 

“I think it’s mutually beneficial. I enjoy it. It’s gratifying for me. Even though we are old and grey we have a spark inside,” Grow said. “It’s nice for me. It allows me to write.”

 

Eric Grow leads students in poetry sketching. Photo by Hibah Samad.

He’s been part of the City’s Older Adults Program for a year. 

Member of the Manhattan Beach Poetry Circle, Bob Perkins said that over the years composition has changed, the program has expanded to including more activities, but there are two things that have stayed consistent.

“The Poetry Circle encourages students to develop creative writing skills. While for us older adults we enjoy writing and it’s an opportunity for us to be helpful to students,” Perkins said.

After creating their poems, an older adult paired up with students to discuss them and collaborate. 

Mira Costa Senior Brent Torres attended this event for the first time in hopes of connecting with others within the community and didn’t expect to meet an older adult who had similar interests like him. 

“I was fortunate to meet someone who is also passionate about taking photographs like me. I was able to learn about their experiences,” Torres said. “ I was able to learn about how they transitioned from film to digital photography in recent years and how technology has had a positive impact on them.”

Torres wrote a poem using the words heart, vision, connect, and small. He turned those focus words in the following poem: 

To lead a community takes strength and heart,

To listen, learn, and understand from the start.

A vision, goals, and courage to fight, 

Compassion to connect and bring in light.

A call to lift up the weak and small, 

creating a world better for all. 

Photo by Hibah Samad

Vaughan said students also participate in joint public readings with the older adults and have an annual poetry reading at the Hometown Fair. 

Beginning in 2018, the Poetry Circle has invited Mira Costa students to compete in the annual Circle Awards for Excellence in Poetry Composition. Vaughan said the Poetry Circle always makes sure the talented Circle Award winners are recognized at the City Council meeting.

 “This enhances the students’ experience,” said Vaughan. “It gives students an earned recognition, and helps the Older Adults Poetry Circle publicize our work, all while supporting National Poetry Month.”

“Shannon Vaughan looks for ways to energize and inspire her students. We enjoy interacting with the youth and it also energizes and inspires us,” said Perkins.

The Poetry Circle program was started by Gwen Binegar, Patrick, and Melen McBride.

This year the “Be Our Guest” program in partnership with the Older Adults Program and Manhattan Beach Unified returned after the pandemic. It offers opportunities for members to attend various types of performances at Mira Costa High School by students for free.


The City’s Older Adults Program offers activities and services such as informative classes, special programs, fitness classes, arts & crafts, and many more programs. You can learn more at CityMB.info. ER

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