WORCESTER—A Worcester Technical High School student has been appointed the prestigious position of youth poet laureate for Worcester.
City Manager Eric Batista, Mayor Joseph Petty and the Office of Cultural Development announced that Serenity C. Jackson will serve as the third youth poet laureate, a two-term position that Worcester instituted in 2019.
Jackson takes over the position from previous youth poet laureate Adael (Ace) Meija.
“I was aware I was [in the] running because my mother found out about it and asked me if I was interested in applying for it,” Jackson told the Worcester Guardian. “I recognized this opportunity would allow me to make an impact in my community and help me become a better writer and performer.”
Jackson was inspired to write poetry, she said, once she “realized that I was pretty good at it and it was a good way to express my emotions.”She describes her style as rhythmic, with subject matter that focuses on positivity, real-life situations, emotions, and relatable material.
Worcester Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz, whose term continues through 2025, serves as a mentor and guide to Jackson. Along with the Worcester poet laureate, the youth poet laureate is an official ambassador to the city’s historic and vibrant cultures of poetry and literature, both using their positions to promote local writers and the transformative qualities of poetry and the written word, said an announcement.
“Poets Laureate are ambassadors of the city who use their voice to promote the city’s great writers and the transformative qualities of poetry and the written word throughout the community,” Shantelle Campbell, marketing and community relations coordinator for the city’s Cultural Development Division, said to the Worcester Guardian. “Poets Laureate aim to enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and celebrate the spirit of the people and unique voices of Worcester.”
Campbell explained that applications are reviewed by an expert local committee of jurors to determine candidate selection based on the quality of the artistic samples, their professional achievements, as well as their proposal for new work projects and community collaborations.
“Selected individuals get the opportunity to perform at various events, and host workshops in schools for other inspiring writers,” said Campbell. “They get a chance to be mentored and guided by previous poets laureate and receive a scholarship and a stipend while strengthening their skills as a writer and performer.”
Jackson’s first appearance as the Youth Poet Laureate was on Tuesday, Jan. 2, when she was presented with a ceremonial medal created by local metal artist Pam Farren and delivered her first official readings at the Mayoral Inaugural Exercises and Celebration.
“I began to realize the importance of this role after attending my initiation as the new Youth Poet Laureate, seeing all the community leaders and hearing of the work they are doing for the city,” said Jackson. “It was a great feeling having people coming up to me, congratulating me, and even quoting their favorite line from my poem. I witnessed firsthand the impact that my poems could have on others and so I am even more inspired to spread the love of poetry and spoken word to others.”
In the position, Jackson will be required to pen an annual poem about Worcester, attend public engagements and participate in workshops that encourage youth to explore culture and creativity.
“Poetry, with its vivid verses and lyrical rhythm, serves as the timeless narrator of our city’s tale, capturing the essence of our streets, the heartbeat of our communities, and the dreams that adorn our skyline,” said Petty in a statement. “I feel honored to be able to witness Serenity C. Johnson, who will serve actively and contribute to the Worcester community.”
Jackson will serve through the end of 2025.
“I commend Adael Mejia for his dedication and service as Youth Poet Laureate and I am thrilled to welcome Serenity C. Johnson, who stood out from a very talented pool of applicants,” said Batista in a statement. “We are proud to continue to have the city provide a unique opportunity for a young person to express themselves as our Youth Poet Laureate. We look forward to her voice, presence, and vision while serving as a source of inspiration for her peers to pursue creative endeavors.”
Meija added: “As my tenure draws to a close, I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity to amplify the voices of our city’s remarkable youth. My passion for nurturing budding artists and strengthening our community remains unwavering. I am committed to fostering Worcester’s diverse cultural tapestry and empowering the radiant spirits of our young generation.”
According to the city’s announcement, Jackson has a penchant for community engagement and a drive to make a positive impact. She is an active participant in various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and growth within the city.
“Through this new platform, I believe I can increase awareness of, provide access to, and encourage more engagement in the literary arts and the power of spoken word,” said Jackson.
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
