Many students here at Miami High use writing as an easy way to escape from the real world; as a matter of fact, some teachers here do their own writing. For this particular reason, an event called the Literary Café was made by the English Honor Society club, whose advisor is AP English teacher Mr. Montesano. He encourages students to read what they like. “The purpose of hosting it is to promote poetry and music,” said Montesano.

The Preparation
Now an event like this as expected takes up some time from the EHS officers, members and Mr. Montesano to set up. “It took the officers, members and I a few weeks to set up the whole event, but we sure did have some fun,” said Montesano. Many students and teachers attended the Lit Café; exactly 114 students that signed in for extra credit went. “Those were only the students that signed in; there was at least double that amount, and that’s not counting our special guests from the Glee Club and the Million Dollar Band that performed,” said Mr. Montesano.
The event itself does last for some time considering there are many readers. “The Literary Café is always scheduled for an hour but usually goes longer,” said Montesano. Since the Lit Café lasts for so long, the members and officers sell little snacks and drinks. “There were cookies, cupcakes, pastries, and Capri-Suns,” said Montesano.

The Readers
The Literary Café is made up of many readers, whether it be teachers or students that have a piece to read. All readers share a unique and special writing that inspired them to read it.
Freshman Jiuber Mena said that he doesn’t like writing much. “I just write when I feel something is passionate and it’s usually something with action, suspense and thrills,” he said. His favorite part was to find and see other writers. “They all know what they want to write and they write it beautifully,” Mr. Montesano said.
Junior Rocio Rodriguez said, “I love writing. It’s one of my hobbies and I’m constantly doing it. Since thoughts are always flowing into my mind, I write them down right away before I forget.” Rocio read her own piece at the event. “I read a poem about a lady who had many things to be thankful for but felt empty inside, which goes to show how some people who have everything are sometimes still unhappy,” she said. She finds inspiration in the life lessons that she has learned, and she translates these lessons into writing.
Another reader was junior Mingli Yactayo. “I actually don’t like writing a lot, but when I do I am able to express my feelings. In almost every piece, I wrote about my experiences and went over psychology,” she said.
Junior Helen Acevedo said she doesn’t really like writing much. Her favorite part of being a reader is being able to stand up and read a great poem. “My English teacher said if I attend the Lit Café I would be rewarded with extra credit,” she said. “I like writing about my life and what goes on in it and about women and beauty standards.”