05/26/2026
Young Poet’s Graduation was So Amazing! We had the honor of celebrating the graduation of six incredible young poets from the Young Poets Project at Crossover Community Center: 3 young men and 3 young ladies, ages 11 to 17, who spent the last 10 weeks learning the elements of poetry, finding their voices, and putting words to things that are not always easy to say.
These students wrote and performed pieces about deeply personal experiences, emotions, pain, growth, faith, family, identity, and hope. For some of them, this was one of the first times they were able to articulate what they have been carrying inside. And they did it with courage, beauty, and power.
They showed up dressed sharp, confident, and ready. Then they stood in front of a room full of people and shared poems that moved hearts, some even to tears.
The night was full of joy, celebration, community, and amazing food. Everybody is still talking about the jerk chicken, pineapple rice, and collard greens!
We are also excited that each graduating poet received a membership to the Alliance for the Arts here in Fort Myers, helping them continue to explore creativity, expression, and opportunity beyond this program.
We are so proud of these young poets and all they have accomplished. Their voices matter. Their stories matter. Their futures matter.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support, encourage, and celebrate them. A very special thank you to Joshua and Beth Underwood of Thirteen:3 Ministries, Mr. Rudy from Crossover, and every volunteer who helped make this night possible.
We cannot wait for the next session of the Young Poets Project.
he mic is open. The voices are rising. And this is just the beginning.
