May 1, 2024
Boston Scores is excited to announce that Vincent P from the Patrick J Kennedy Elementary School (PJK) in East Boston has been named the 2024 Boston Scores Poet-Athlete of the Year! Vincent was one of 18 Boston Scores Poet-Athletes who prepared and performed an original poem at our annual Poet’s Banquet on March 2. Poet-Athletes from 9 Boston Public Schools who partner with Boston Scores competed and were evaluated based on their composition as well as their presentation. All our Poet-Athletes impressed with their creativity and stage presence at the banquet, making the final decision extremely challenging.
Vincent’s winning poem was titled “Achievements” and talks about working towards goals and celebrating successes in all shapes and forms, ranging from scoring a personal best in a video game to setting a world record.
Boston Scores’ Elementary School Enrichment Coordinator Rebeca Villatoro-Alvarez presented Vincent with a plaque during an official announcement at his school. Vincent recited his poem at the presentation, flanked by members of his soccer team, his coach-mentors and his father. Ms. Cynthia Grant-Carter, the Boston Scores Soccer and Writing Coordinator at PJK and retired PJK teacher, also spoke at the announcement about Vincent’s hard work and wished him well as he transitions to Boston Latin School for middle school.
Vincent also received the first Boston Scores Poet-Athlete of the Year stipend, which was made possible by a generous donation from the Ellen LaForge Memorial Poetry Foundation. The foundation was set up in memory of Ellen LaForge, a lifelong avid poetry lover and supporter, and the gift was arranged by Jim Henle, foundation co-founder. Boston Scores is thrilled to be able to provide this level of recognition to our Poet-Athlete of the Year, emphasizing the importance of youth voice and creative expression.
