Finding Their Voice: Canarsie Ascend Middle School’s Second Annual Poets Gallery

There is something powerful that happens when young people are given the opportunity to share their stories.

This spring, Canarsie Ascend Middle School hosted its second annual Poets Gallery, a student-centered literary arts initiative that empowers students through poetry, performance, visual art, and mentorship. This program provides students with a unique opportunity to develop their voice, strengthen literacy skills, and build confidence through creative expression.

Over the course of two weeks, students participated in immersive workshops led by more than a dozen accomplished professionals from across the tri-state area, including Grammy-nominated artists, international teaching artists, Off-Broadway performers, literary educators, curators, and poets. Through writing exercises, discussion, and performance, students explored the power of language and reflected on the role their voices can play in their communities.

The experience builds on the strong literacy foundation students develop at Ascend while creating space for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Students were challenged not only to analyze poetry, but to create it, perform it, and use it as a tool for reflection and connection.

As part of the program, selected students received one-on-one mentorship from professional poets to refine their work and prepare for a culminating live showcase. The event featured student poetry performances alongside an art gallery showcasing student-created visual artwork, creating multiple avenues for scholars to share their perspectives, creativity, and talents with the broader community.

Together, the poetry performances and art exhibition transformed the evening into a celebration of student voice. Families, educators, and community members had the opportunity to experience the stories, ideas, and artistic expression of students through both spoken word and visual art.

The Poets Gallery reflects Ascend’s commitment to providing students with rich learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By connecting students with professional artists and giving them authentic opportunities to create and perform, the program helps students see themselves as writers, artists, thinkers, and leaders whose voices matter.

We are proud of every student who participated in this year’s Poets Gallery and grateful to the mentors, artists, and educators who helped bring this inspiring experience to life.