Starting in 3rd grade it becomes a competition (and of course a grade). First the poem is done in front of their class. If they are one of the best, then they do it in front of their entire grade. If they are one of the best for their grade, they do it in front of the school at a school assembly.
Carter made it to the finals for the school assembly. In front of the entire school and parents, he recited his poem, Every Time I Climb a Tree by David McCord and acted it out. Not showing any nerves. He did great.