Approximately 25 performers sang songs that they wrote or admire, shared poetry and their original prose during Vintage Open Mic Night held at Woodmere Middle School on Feb. 22.

One teacher, Dr. Darla Smyth read a poem by T.S. Eliot.

The students’ enthusiasm spurred the event, the first of its kind in seven years, according to Smyth. Open Mic became part of Hewlett High School's Literary Arts club, VINTAGE, which meets once a week to share their writing and art.

“This year’s group is especially committed and active, led by a phenomenal young poet named Lauren Altus,” said Smyth, adding that despite the last-minute change of venue — from the high school to the middle school due to a water main break — Open Mic “was a tremendous success as parents, fellow students and artists alike came to celebrate writing and art.”