Written By: Zaira S.
Edited By: Niyanthri A.
As the new school year approaches, applications for Poet Laureate in SY24-25 are currently open to the entire high school community. This school year was the inaugural year for the Poet Laureate position with Julia O. named the first official ISM Poet Laureate.
The position entails working with English teachers to produce and recite poems to mark milestones or significant events that occur during the school year. The initiative was established to promote poetry to a wider audience and make it more relevant within ISM.
Those interested should submit a copy of 3-5 printed poems to Mr Callaghan’s room (2043) before the 10th of May. From there poems will be anonymously judged by both teachers and students alike, so ensure that all poems are authentic and evocative.
The outgoing Poet Laureate, Julia O. states, “Poetry is often overlooked by other forms of writing, and I think it’s really important to assert the power and potency of poetry, and it’s a really great art form for self-expression. It’s also a creative approach to conveying important messages whether it be personal, societal, political or even cultural – it’s just a really great way to explore oneself.”
Additionally, she was asked if there is any advice she would like to give the future ISM Poet Laureate. To this, she responded, “Be vulnerable. I’ve been amazed by how receptive the community has been to my work. I’ve been nervous about how people would respond but it’s been really empowering to hear that my poetry has resonated with a lot of people.”
