Photos & Story by Marianne Salza

Boston Scores, a Boston Public Schools afterschool youth enrichment provider, held its Annual Poets’ Banquet on February 22. The event celebrated the voices, perspectives, and experiences of 19 Boston Scores elementary students (10 representing East Boston) who were selected to recite original pieces, both comical and profound.

“Some of these topics they share are heavy, heart-breaking, and beautiful,” said Rebecca Villatoro-Alvarez, Elementary School Academic Coordinator, Boston Scores.

Attended by families and writing coaches, and hosted by Zumix, the gathering included a breakfast reception, games, and musical entertainment by Zumix’s Marmalade Jazz Ensemble, comprised of Edwin Duarte on piano, Nox Jornales on drums, and Danilo Perez on bass.

The 2025 Poet-Athlete of the Year will be selected by judges to receive a $1,000 scholarship donated by the Ellen LaForge Memorial Poetry Foundation. Four runners-up will be presented $250 awards.

“It’s not easy to come up here, and say something from memory that’s vulnerable, personal, and that has many lines and stanzas,” admitted Villatoro-Alvarez. “It’s a feat. We are so proud of them.”