“It is brave to share your writing and it is important to know that your words matter; writing about peace is a wonderful way to begin to think about the influence that each of us has on the world and on the people around us; writing about peace is an invitation to begin to conceive of peace in new ways, to reflect on how we can actively participate in creating peace, and to acknowledge the potential that human beings have to live without conflict.”
-Professor Elle Yarborough
Dear Families,
In April, students in grades 1-3 participated in the NECC Peace Poetry contest by writing and submitting their poems. Dr. Elle Yarborough noted that judging was challenging due to over 700 submissions, but students from the Composition and Literature classes at Northern Essex Community College selected the winners for each grade. I am excited to announce that some of our students have earned honorable mentions and placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd!
Grade 1
- 1st Quinn
- 2nd Heithor
- 3rd Charles
- Honorable Mention: Zavian S., Dafina, Evelyn, Lennox, Zaina, Phoebe-Rain, Lorelei, Callie, Mirianny, Abdiel, Avi, Gemma, Arlen, Harris, Sam, Logan, Ethan, Xavier, Isaiah, Emalynn, Addilyn, Amelia, Aarush, and Andre Lucas
Grade 2
- 1st: Nubia-Jhene
- Honorable Mention: Oghenemaro (Maro), Rowan, Delaney, Elias, Hazel, Avery, Joshua P., Lyla, William, Kinsley, Sarina, Gabe , Parker, Joao, Jace, and Bella
Grade 3
- 1st place: Hamida
- Honorable Mention: Jaisaac, London, Addyson , Toby, Genesis, Bella, Daniella
The students are invited to join in a celebration at Northern Essex Community College on May 20th, where they will have the opportunity to read their poems aloud. The Reading and Awards Ceremony will begin at 6 PM, so please arrive by 5:50 PM for check-in.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time: 6 PM (check-in at 5:50 PM)
Location: Technology Center, NECC Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott Street, Hartleb Technology Center, Haverhill, MA.
Students who won 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place will read their poems aloud during the ceremony and receive their award certificates along with a chapbook. Those who received Honorable Mentions will have their poems published in the 2023 Chapbook and are also invited to attend the reading to collect their certificates and their copy of the Chapbook.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. O’Leary, Mrs. Sanchez, Ms. Oland, Mrs. Ezepek, and Ms. Davy for their dedication in submitting their students’ poems. Their commitment to fostering a love for writing has been inspiring, as they provided guidance, encouragement, and valuable feedback to help students express their thoughts on peace. By creating a supportive environment, they empowered our young poets to share their unique voices with confidence. I am truly grateful for their passion and the positive impact they have on our students and the community.
I look forward to celebrating our young poets! Congratulations to all!
Sincerely,
Jen Rubera
Principal