Slam poet overcomes dyslexia

The art of crafting poetry is a gift that does not come easily. It takes time, inspiration and the ability to use words as a sharp tool.

But for the creative mind of Vadoll Byars, a junior at West Mecklenburg High School, expressing himself through slam poetry flows naturally.

Poetry hasn't always been Vadoll's passion. In fact, writing is a daily struggle and is often frustrating, because, he said, he is dyslexic. He has difficulties spelling words, he said, but that doesn't stop him from getting his feelings across - he lets his pen flow.

Vadoll went to a slam poetry event for the first time last fall and performed in front of a crowd of about 40 people, he said. That night, he took home third place for his work.

He will be performing at his second slam poetry event Sunday at Spirit Square uptown; it runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Continue to check the Young Achievers section for an upcoming story on Vadoll.

The event:
Speak Up Youth Poetry Slam
Where: Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square
345 N. College St.
Charlotte, N.C., 28202
When: Oct. 23
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sign up: The list opens up at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
More info: Contact Ed Mabrey at edmabrey@gmail.com, or call 704-301-5132.

Event requirements:
The event is open to the first 10 poets who sign up. Participants must be 13-19 years old.
The competition is a three-round slam with eliminations after every round. Scores from each round will be added together to determine a winner. A cash prize will be given to the top three poets at the end of the third round.