At Elmcrest, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to be heard, seen, and celebrated. This past April, in honor of National Poetry Month, we invited our youth to participate in a free-write poetry contest—a chance for them to express themselves freely and creatively, with no limitations or prompts.
What followed was nothing short of inspiring.
Seven brave young writers submitted original poems—each one a reflection of their inner world, their struggles, their resilience, and their hope. Poetry gave them a space to process emotions, explore identity, and speak their truths in a safe and empowering way. For many, it became a form of healing. For all, it was a reminder that their voices matter.
