Austin Johnson, grandson of General Superintendent emeritus W. Talmadge and Genell Johnson, recited “The Gift” by poet Li-Young Lee for a statewide Poetry Out Loud competition in Nashville.
Austin Johnson represents Tennessee in poetry readings
Friday, May 11, 2007
Nashville
Austin Johnson, grandson of General Superintendent emeritus W. Talmadge and Genell Johnson, recited “The Gift” by poet Li-Young Lee for a statewide Poetry Out Loud competition in Nashville.

His recitation earned him first prize and the honor of representing Tennessee at the U.S. national competition in Washington, D.C.

Johnson attended the Davidson Academy in Nashville and his presentation was judged by Tennessee poet laureate Maggie Vaughn.

Davidson Academy Instructor Kevin Chopson speaking of Johnson said, “He was able to tap into the truth of the poems, rather than just trying to act them out.”

Johnson will attend Trevecca Nazarene University.
--NCN