Gary Youth Poet Laureate founder Akilia McCain, (l-r), Paij Rhymes, and Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis Crisler

Paij Rhymes named first-ever Gary Youth Poet Laureate

Contributed By: The 411 News

Gary – Paij Rhymes, a 2024 graduate from Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, was crowned the first-ever Gary Youth Poet Laureate during the Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society’s inaugural commencement performance, held Saturday, June 22, at the Main Theatre Stage on the campus of Indiana University Northwest.

Rhymes, one of three finalists, emerged victorious over 1st Runner-Up Aniya Roy, a rising ninth-grader from Steel City Academy and 2nd Runner-Up Kianah Levi King, a graduate from Portage High School.

“Being crowned the Youth Poet Laureate means that I could actually make a change through my poetry. It means that I could help mentor other kids to do the same,” Rhymes said.

Rhymes is an active volunteer with AmeriCorps and the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District. She has led classes at the Marshall J. Gardner Center and recently held a poetry reading there.

As part of her new title, Rhymes will receive a $500 grant, with Roy and King receiving $250 and $150, respectively.

Rhymes is also set to perform at the 2nd Annual Classic Chrysanthemum Concerto in September alongside Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler. The concert will be recorded and televised on Lakeshore Public Media this fall.

Rhymes is eligible to compete in regional and national competitions organized by Urban Word NYC, the parent organization of the Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society.

“We are incredibly proud of all three finalists, and especially Paij. With a name like Paij Rhymes, our very first Youth Poet Laureate is destined to make her mark in the world of poetry,” said Akilia McCain, founder of the Society. “Paij will be an outstanding ambassador for the program and will inspire other young people to pursue their passion for the literary arts.”

“I’m so proud of Paij and what she represents through her art and voice. She’s an excellent choice for the Gary Youth Poet Laureate,” Crisler said.

The competition was judged by Crisler, Lydia Johnson, a published poet and Gary native, and Dr. Camea Davis, the Youth Poet Laureate Director of Urban Word NYC.

Crisler offered advice to the contestants, encouraging them to “own the words, they belong to you,” and shared a tip for overcoming nerves: “Before a performance, go into the bathroom and let out a primal scream.”

The Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society was inspired by McCain, an opera singer and advocate for literacy, after she heard a podcast about Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first Youth Poet Laureate who gained fame after performing at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021.

Established in 2023, the Society aims to amplify the voices of young poets and activists in the community. Next year’s competition will be held between January and March, with the next Youth Poet Laureate announced in April 2025 during National Poetry Month.

Story Posted:06/25/2024