Thayer Senior Showcases Poetry-Reading Prowess

Paige Johnson ’26 of Thayer’s Speech Team recently earned recognition for her poetry-reading abilities during two tournaments held before Winter Recess. 

Competing in the Xaverian Brothers High School Tournament, Johnson finished in second place in the poetry reading category. She then finished in fourth place in that same category at the Arlington High School Speech Tournament. 

For both events, said Upper School English Faculty Misharra Hefler, the team’s head coach, Johnson performed poems by Benjamin Barker, Rita Dove, and Bob Hicok. 

“Since she joined the Speech Team last year, Paige has shown exemplary literary analysis and performance skills,” said Hefler. “Her poetry program this year includes poems about Alzheimer’s, and the depth of her performance has often brought me to tears during our practices.” 

Hefler also singled out Johnson’s work as a mentor to several of the new Speech Team members, generously giving up free time to provide extra coaching to these students. 

“We’re so proud of what Paige has achieved this year,” Hefler said.