CONTACT:
Andrea Kotuk/Andrea & Associates/ (212) 353-9585
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEN ISLAND YOUNGSTERS FROM PAL PORT RICHMOND CENTER
SHOWCASE WINNING POEMS 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 Staten Island students from the PAL Port Richmond Center including Jonathan, 6th Grade and Thomas, 7th Grade.
Jonathan, 6th Grade, PAL Port Richmond Center:
“Home Alone
Oh how I wish I could be
Home alone and free
Always someone there to bother me
Mother, father, sister, and sister
Home and never alone
School work and house work
Not enough of no work
Oh how I wish I could be
Home alone and free”
Thomas, 7th Grade, PAL Port Richmond Center:
“Stretching on the field
Offense is always key
Can not tough the ball with my hands
Captain is who I want to be
Everyone work together for the goal
Ready to get to the top
Piping hot fresh out of the oven
I can eat a whole pie
Zesty and spicey pepperoni on top
Zelicious drinks are a must
Always on my mind”
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.