Kirby Center student wins national poetry contest

Christopher, a student from LACOE's Kirby Center School, has won the BreakFree Choice award in the 2021 Words Unlocked contest for justice-involved youth with his poem 'Sweet Home Los Angeles.' He is featured in the Voices of Words Unlocked podcast with poet Sha'Condria 'iCon' Sibley.

'Chris is a prime example of why so many of us continue to teach. He creatively weaves words, organizes his thoughts and uses the classroom as a stepping stone for tomorrow,' said LACOE teacher Florence Avognon. 'Our classrooms serve as a safe space to discover, perform and grow. I'm just happy to witness his journey.'

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Photo: Christopher participates in the Voices of Words Unlocked podcast with poet Sha'Condria 'iCon' Sibley.