Around 50 Black Hills State University students gathered for a poetry slam at The Jacket Zone in downtown Spearfish Oct. 1.

The event was co-sponsored by the BHSU English Club and The Writing Center. It gave students a chance to come together and share their work with peers. It also gave them a chance to compete.

The first place winner was mass communications major Drew Dutton, who performed a rap titled “A Tribute to Historic Deadwood.” Second place went to English education major Brady Licht, with his piece “Doggerel from Ulysses.” Third place went to Spanish and business major Liz Sorensen, with her piece, “I Don’t Need to Write Anymore.”

The BHSU bookstore donated $20, $15, and $10 bookstore gift cards for the winners.

Poetry slams and other similar events are an important way for students to develop a relationship with, and a love for, poetry, according to BHSU assistant professor of English Dr. Nicole Dragone.

English Club President Caitlin Hill said she likes to put on these events because it gives students an opportunity to share their own work.

“I feel like there are not very many opportunities to do that here, and it’s just a really great way to get people who share these common interests together. I think it’s been a — huge success these last couple of years, and I’m glad people keep going and participating,” said Hill.

The English Club has a faculty creative-writing reading planned for October, and an open mic night planned for November.