CONTACT:
Andrea Kotuk/Andrea & Associates/ (212) 353-9585
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YOUNGSTERS FROM PAL WILLIAM J. DUNCAN CENTER IN MANHATTAN
SHOWCASE WINNING POEMS AND ARTWORK IN
POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE 2021 POETRY ANTHOLOGY
The Police Athletic League (PAL) held its annual Poetry Writing Contest with participants from the citywide PAL After-School Program. Young poets and artists showcased their winning poems and art digitally in the PAL 2021 Poetry Anthology. In this time of social distancing and virtual learning, PAL recognizes the important role art plays in bringing youngsters together.
“We feel fortunate that our young participants were able to create anything of beauty this year. Their resilience and energy inspired our staff, reminding us of the key role our programs play in creating safe spaces for learning and the arts,” said Dana Wheeler, PAL’s Director of Education and Program Development.
Each year, young people from PAL After-School programs representing different cultural backgrounds, age groups, and New York City neighborhoods, share and express themselves through poetry. They skillfully use language to produce writing that resonates with them. Placing an emphasis on creativity and the imagination, the annual Anthology acknowledges the talent of children from PAL centers citywide.
The original poetry in the anthology featured PAL William J. Duncan Center in Manhattan students including Elena, 1st Grade; Mia, 1st Grade and Khailey, 5th Grade. Anthology artwork by children from PAL William J. Duncan Center in Manhattan included Crisibella, 1st Grade; Elena, 1st Grade and Mason, 5th Grade.
Elena, 1st Grade, PAL William J. Duncan Center in Manhattan:
“Deep pool
I’d never been so amazed
Fancy car, big house
I’d love to live there for days
With a big garden and pink everywhere
Barbie’s dream house
Could never have a mouse”
Mia, 1st Grade, PAL William J. Duncan Center in Manhattan:
“They are sticky and melty
And I love it all in my belly
Sweet to eat and a beautiful treat
Brown and white never looked so good
If only everyone understood
Smores are the treat to eat
And no other can compete”
Khailey, 5th Grade, PAL William J. Duncan Center in Manhattan:
“People say apps are shutting down
But what they don’t know we’re taking Trump down
Hey listen man, all that we want is equality
Black lives matter and the lgbt
Come November 3rd you’ll be screaming like a goat
‘cuz all my friends and family will go out and vote”
The 2021 PAL Poetry Anthology is made possible by the generous support of The William Talbott Hillman Foundation, The Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation and DYCD, as well as other generous individuals. New York City’s Police Athletic League is the first and finest civilian-run PAL in the country. Founded in 1914, PAL has served the city’s young people for over 100 years. PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 20,000 boys and girls annually. It is also the city’s largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.
Photo credit for Art Work: Courtesy of Police Athletic League