Monsignor Edward Pace High School students piled into the school’s Innovation Center in early February to watch and perform at the annual Open Mic Night hosted by Pace High’s Literary Guild.
Emceed by senior Justin Gerlin and overseen by Literary Guild moderator and Pace English teacher Katherine Palacio, the unique event provided a platform for Pace students to sing, read their own written poetry, perform standup comedy and spoken word, and play instruments.
Refreshments were served and sold by Pace Campus Minister Andres Novela and his Just.Ice.Coffee which benefits Pace High’s Haitian sister schools.
Some highlights included senior Kenea Sejour bringing the house down multiple times with several songs and junior Gabriela Gutierrez performing a piece on the violin.
Before performing an improvised jazz session on the guitar, senior Frank de Oliva spoke from the heart, stating “I hope that everybody learns how to be self-confident…Just be confident in yourself and just be yourself.”
The Literary Guild was thrilled with this year’s well-attended event and looks forward to holding Open Mic Night again next year.