As we celebrate National Poetry Month this April, we’re thrilled to spotlight an exceptional achievement from two talented young writers at KIPP Academy of Innovation (KAI) in East LA.
Last year, Romeo Roman and Julian Martinez submitted original poems to the Creative Communications Poetic Power Contest, a competitive poetry competition for K-9 students across the United States and Canada.
The opportunity wasn’t merely a happy accident. KAI 7th-grade ELA educator Ms. Cline introduced the poetry contest to her students after recalling her own experience of being published in the same competition when she was a high school student. She aimed to give her students the chance to feel the same pride and validation she had experienced, so she encouraged them to submit their poetry.
The Poetic Power Contest has been uplifting young voices for years by carefully selecting poems for publication based on creativity, originality, and expressive strength. Unlike open-for-all contests, not every entry makes it to print. So the fact that both KAI students were chosen for publication is a testament to the heart and craft behind their work.
The Poetic Power contest doesn’t set a theme, which makes each student’s entry deeply personal and reflective of their unique voice and perspective. Contests are held three times a year, which offers an ongoing opportunity for students to explore the art of poetry and share their stories.
The anthology featuring our KAI poets will be published in June, and we can’t wait to see their words in print. In the meantime, click on the following links to enjoy Romeo’s “I Am” and Julian’s “The Way Life Is” poems.
Moments like these remind us that poetry isn’t just about rhyme or rhythm — it’s about connection, self-expression, and legacy. Congratulations to our KIPP Academy of Innovation poets for carrying forward the power of words.