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Slam Finals

Team ’08 Bios

Sharese King, 17
School: School of the Arts (2008 Graduate)
Sharese King is a riveting spoken word artist whose work speaks about “worldly issues that a lot of people can relate to”. She has been writing poetry for over ten years and reciting poetry for six years. Sharese is from Rochester and will be attending the University of Rochester with a full scholarship and major in Chemistry; recite poetry, and publish her poetry.
She has performed at numerous venues throughout the state. Some of them are NYC’s Nuyorican Café, Writers and Books, Teen Empowerment, Roc Music Showcase, and School of the Arts where she was also featured in for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf … One of Sharese’s major accomplishments is winning a position on the 2008 Rochester Teen Slam Team!
Quote: “Poetry is the ingredient that makes me whole. I enjoy the art form of expression.”

Mike Gerbino, 18
Stage Name: “Ethic”
School: W. Irondequoit (2008 Graduate)
Mike Gerbino is a powerful spoken word artist whose work is often very personal with a touch of humor. He has been writing and performing poetry for nearly ten years. Mike is also a hip hop artist and member of the band “Critical Theory”, performing all over Rochester at coffee houses, lounges and festivals. Mike was first introduced to Slam High through the Writers & Books at large slam in 2007.
Mike is from West Irondequoit and will be attending the School of Visual Arts in New York City in the Fall. He will major in film and plans to become an independent film maker.
Quote: “No rules. Poetry is a free pass to express yourself the way you like.”

Elliot t Powless, 17
Stage Name: “die – verse”
School: Edison Tech - IIT
Elliott Powless is an inspirational spoken word artist whose poetry is extremely diverse ranging from political issues to personal narratives. A master of wordplay with an extremely creative vocab, E. has been writing poetry for about nine years and performing for four years.
Elliott is a native of Rochester. His career goal is to be an Entrepreneur and plans to invest in the community by helping the youth. Elliott is a two year veteran of Slam High having been a member of the pioneer team -- 007!
Quote: “I speak for people that don’t get heard.”

Charnequa Cook, 17
School: Wilson High School (2008 Graduate)
Charnequa Cook has been writing and performing poetry for three years after discovering her voice and using talent in church.
Charnequa is from Rochester where she participates in programs that change youth outlook of life such as Teen Empowerment, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Kuumba Kids and Writers & Books. Charnequa will be attending Monroe Community College in the Fall. Her career goals include being a feature poet on Def Poetry, owning her own restaurant and work with struggling youth.
This is Charnequa’s second year on the Rochester Teen Slam Team!
Quote: “Poetry means life, love and understanding. I have a voice; I don’t have to be in the background”

Shanterra Randle, 18
School: Wilson High School (2008 Graduate)
Shanterra Randle feels that through her poetry she is a testimony to adolescents that experience some of the same issues and heartaches that she has in her past. She is new to performance poetry having only been performing for two years however she has always used writing to express her thoughts. Shan is no stranger to the Mic though! She is an extremely talented vocalist who is not afraid to use her voice and artistry to impact audiences.
Shanterra is from Rochester and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology on a full scholarship. Her career goals include becoming a published author and a social worker. She is a member of in Teen Empowerment, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Rochester Children’s Zone youth steering committee and Writers & Books.
Quote: “Poetry is my life, it means everything to me; I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Odyssey Harris, 19
School: Edison Tech (2008 Graduate)
Odyssey Harris is an astounding spoken word artist. Her poetry is about having a better outlook on life. She says, “It’s about looking at your self in a positive way because even though every now and then life becomes grey; it’s all a part of reality and experience.”
Odyssey has been writing and performing poetry for several years though she says it wasn’t always easy to use her voice. But once she learned to she began performing at school and other community venues. Odyssey was the president of the poetry club at her high school, Edison Tech where she first got involved with Slam High in 2007. Her career goal is to own a few businesses, and travel the world with her poetry at her side.
Quote: Poetry means exposing the casualties of reality and letting the world know that it has to wake up because it’s sleeping”

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