Pashia B., a fourth grade Milwaukee Public School student from LaFollette School (3239 N. Ninth St.) and three year America SCORES Milwaukee participant, has been selected to represent Milwaukee at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! in New York City in April.

“Pashia was selected to advance to the national level not only for the creation and performance of her original poem, but for her admirable sportsmanship and outstanding leadership in the classroom and on the soccer field,” said Jennifer Taff, school social worker and Pashia’s America SCORES Milwaukee soccer and writing coach.

To be held during National Poetry Month at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea on Monday, April 11th, the 10th annual National Poetry SLAM! will celebrate the achievements of 15 poet-athletes from across the United States. Pashia’s experience, as well as her fellow 14 poet-athletes that were chosen by their peers in their respective cities, will include participating in writing and performance workshops with renowned poets and spoken word artists, a tour of New York City, the opportunity to play soccer in Central Park and conclude with the event itself where she will take to the theatre stage to recite her poem to an audience of America SCORES supporters and advocates.

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“Pashia’s hard work and determination earned her this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Kate Carpenter, America SCORES Milwaukee Executive Director. “Approximately 150 poet-athletes in our program competed at the local level and while each participant did a wonderful job pulling from their personal experiences to express their individual voices through poetry, Pashia excelled allowing her to stand out and her personality to shine through.”

For more information about the America SCORES organization that inspires urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world, contact Kate Carpenter at kcarpenter@americascores.org.