April is National Poetry month and to celebrate, Kyrene poets from across the District were honored by the Kyrene Governing Board and Superintendent in front of their families and school leaders.
“This is my sixth year serving on the Governing Board, and without exception, this is my favorite meeting of the year,” said Kyrene Governing Board President Kevin Walsh. “We get to hear from and honor some of the amazing poets that we have in Kyrene.”
Twenty-seven young writers in Kindergarten through 8th grade were invited to the April 23 Governing Board meeting to receive a certificate and a copy of the 2024 anthology. Three students were invited up to the podium to read their poems.
- Isabella Miller (Grade 3, Kyrene de la Estrella Elementary school) shared her poem, “I Am a Magical Person.”
- Amir Al Khalidi (Grade 7, Kyrene Aprende Middle School) recited his poem, “Life and Death.”
- Liia Reyes (Grade 7, Kyrene Digital Academy) read her poem, “Learning Flowers.”
“These talented young minds have poured their hearts and imagination onto the pages, weaving words into vibrant tapestries of emotion and expression,” said Director of Academic Equity and Excellence Dr. Sarah Collins. “Through their poems, they offer glimpses into their own perspectives capturing moments of joy, reflection, inspiration and fun.”
Congratulations to all the winners!
Kindergarten:
Emil Munir, Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy
Elise Wollet, Kyrene del Milenio
Torin Baumgart, Kyrene de la Paloma Arts Integration Academy
First Grade:
Aaraadya Srivathsan, Kyrene del Cielo
Kennedy Burt, Kyrene de la Colina
Everly Robetoy, Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy
Second Grade:
Ryder Wick, Kyrene de la Estrella
Chase Esposito, Kyrene Monte Vista
Whitney Crouch, Kyrene de la Sierra
Third Grade:
Camila Zisler, Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy
Madyx Simon, Kyrene del Milenio
Isabella Miller, Kyrene de la Estrella
Fourth Grade:
Isaac Sallee, Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy
Kayla Armsterd, Kyrene Traditional Academy
Shane Naughton, Kyrene de la Colina
Fifth Grade:
Clara DeMaris, Kyrene Monte Vista
Carson Nighswonger, Kyrene de la Paloma Arts Integration Academy
Maya Elhassan, Kyrene de las Manitas Innovation Academy
Sixth Grade:
Ellie Grimm, Kyrene Middle School
Alexa Powers, Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
Willa Chivers, Kyrene Altadeña Middle School
Seventh Grade:
Liia Reyes, Kyrene Digital Academy
Vivian Villalobos, Kyrene Altadeña Middle School
Amir Al Khalidi, Kyrene Aprende Middle School
Eighth Grade:
Nick Delarosa, Kyrene Digital Academy
Madelynn Mascarenas, Kyrene Aprende Middle School
Kolby Isetta, Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School