Murrah HS Senior Named One of Five National Student Poets

October 1, 2024 - Nadia Wright, a senior at Murrah High School, is one of only five high school students nationwide named a National Student Poet.

The National Student Poets Program (NSPP) is a collaboration between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Winners from this prestigious award program were selected as finalists for the student poet honor.

Wright is a proud member of the National Honor Society, and she has been an active member of Murrah's creative community since she was a sophomore. She joined The Pleiades, Murrah High School’s literary magazine, and started writing poetry, already tackling mature topics such as hypocrisy and heartbreak. Four of her poems were published in the magazine, and she had her first recognition from the Scholastic writing competition for her poetry.

In 2024, Nadia continued to push the boundaries of genre and started writing more creative nonfiction as well as crafting her voice as a poet. She had poetry and literary nonfiction pieces published. In her piece entitled, “Manifested in Blood,” she writes “I am the reincarnation of my ancestor’s grief and pride. I strive to be wholly invested and connected with my community.” 

In the 2023-2024 Scholastic writing competition, Nadia not only won multiple keys for her writing, her gold key poetry went on to compete and win at the national level. She was chosen by Scholastic to be one of five youth poetry ambassadors across the entire United States. This year she will travel in that role across the Southeast to visit schools and lead workshops for other young writers.
 
Laketia Marshall-Thomas, JPS Assistant Superintendent of High Schools says, "It is such an honor to be chosen and proves what a gifted writer Nadia is. We are so proud of Nadia and love that she is using her own talent and voice to empower other young people, as well."

Each of the National Student Poets will represent different regions across the United States:

• Robert Gao, University Laboratory High School, Illinois - Midwest
• Marcus Burns, St. Johnsbury Academy, Vermont - Northeast
• Nadia Wright, Murrah High School, Mississippi - Southeast
• Sofia Kamal, Rancho Solano Preparatory School, Arizona - Southwest
• Anya Melchinger, Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu - West

"Nadia Wright exemplifies the talent and determination of JPS scholars. She is self-driven, with a unique and innovative voice expressed through her poetry, visual art, and everyday life," said Renna Moore-Edwards, Wells APAC Visual Art Department Chair.

Each poet will receive a $5,000 award and will spend the next year engaging with young people through readings, workshops, and other creative projects.

“We are proud to recognize the Class of 2024 NSPP poets, whose extraordinary talent will shine throughout their year of service, inspiring communities across the nation,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum in a statement. “We celebrate the collective efforts of libraries, museums, schools, and communities working together to create spaces where young artists can thrive.”