Special to the Times
On Saturday, February 28, Boston SCORES welcomed students, families, coaches, and community members to ZUMIX in East Boston for our annual Poets’ Banquet, one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year. Representing fourteen partner schools across Boston, two nominated poet-athletes from each school took the stage to perform an original poem they had written, memorized, and bravely shared aloud — competing for the honor of becoming the 2026 Boston SCORES Poet of the Year. More than a competition, the event exists to ensure every student and family feels seen, celebrated, and proud of the creativity, confidence, and voice they have developed throughout the year.
Throughout the morning, students reminded us of the extraordinary power of poetry to build community and express identity. One young poet reflected on feeling “finally at home, finally at peace,” while another shared that “our values make our community.” Poems explored love, belonging, resilience, and hope — reminding the audience that while love can be broken, it can also be rebuilt, and that our words allow us to feel valid, represented, and understood. As one student beautifully expressed, “My love can stand by you, and one day yours can stand by me.” These moments captured exactly what Boston SCORES strives to create: spaces where young people feel safe using their voices and confident sharing their stories.
Held during Black History Month, several performances also honored poetry’s historic role as a tool for celebration, protest, and advocacy. Students reflected on legacy and possibility, sharing lines such as, “They walked so I can fly,” reminding everyone in the room that poetry has long been a force for change — and continues to be through the voices of Boston’s young people today. During intermission, students from the Haley Pilot School further brought this history to life, performing a powerful team poem originally created for their school’s Black History Month Showcase honoring Harriet Tubman. Their collective performance served as a moving reminder of poetry’s ability to connect past and present while uplifting young voices in community. As one poet said simply but powerfully, “Words can change the world, even if it’s just you.”
The event was judged by an inspiring panel of community leaders, including Daniel — a poet, chef, and Boston SCORES alumnus born and raised in East Boston — alongside dedicated educators, coaches, and creative professionals who understand firsthand the transformative impact of youth expression. By the end of the celebration, one student was named Boston SCORES Poet of the Year, receiving a $1,000 scholarship, while the top five finalists each received $250 scholarships in recognition of their achievement. All nominated students also became officially published authors in this year’s Leon Literary Review, joining a growing community of young creators whose voices now live beyond the stage.
Ultimately, the Poets’ Banquet is a reminder that a single poem can change a perspective, build confidence, or spark connection. Saturday’s celebration reflected the heart of Boston SCORES — community, love, acceptance, and hope — and demonstrated what happens when young people are given the opportunity not only to play and learn, but to be heard.