Poetry Workshop

Join us at the MLK Center for a poetry workshop led by Masaki Takahashi, the Lansing Poet Laureate, spoken word poet, and hip-hop enthusiast.

This free workshop is for school-aged youth of all skill levels, from those who have never read a poem to seasoned poetry experts.

Young Poets Award Ceremony

The community is invited to the 19th Annual Young Poets Award Ceremony to enjoy an evening of poetry as the contest winners from each grade read their poems. This event will take place at 6 PM Thursday, May 4 at the Middle School at Parkside.

Visiting Lansing Poet Laureate Masaki Takahashi will present at the award ceremony as well as conduct a poetry workshop for students leading up to the visit.

Young Poets Award Ceremony

Join us on April 21 at 6 PM at the Middle School at Parkside to celebrate the winners of the 18th Annual Young Poets Contest.

Open to any K-12 Jackson County student, the Young Poets Contest began in 2003 and aims to spark young people’s creativity. The winning poems will be featured on our website and the winners will read their poems at the ceremony.

This year, Lisa Wheeler will be the featured guest poet and the showcase. Wheeler has written many books for children, including The Pet Project, Spinster Goose, and People don’t Bite People. She lives with her family in Addison, Michigan.