The power of words

Writers in the Schools (WITS) hosted its 10th annual gala, The Illuminated Forest, at The Astorian. The event honored Drs. Melanie Malinowski and Andy Cunningham for their belief in the healing power of creative writing. During the evening, guests were treated to “Insta-poems,” original poems written and performed live by current and former WITS student writers. Internationally-renowned performance poet Natasha “Natty” Carrizosa emceed. The student-centered night included readings by Gavin DiBella, Eris Dao and Camryn Collins. Gavin, age 10, offered advice for beginning writers: “The most important thing is to write what touches your heart.” Houston’s new Youth Poet Laureate was announced – Jackson Neal, age 19, a freshman at the University of Houston. Chairs were Lucy and Sam Chambers, and honorary chairs were Lizzie and Scott Fletcher, MaryScott Hagle and Daniel Kornberg, Juni and Chanler Langham, Bryn K. Larsen, Ryan Leach, Marcia and Michael Nichols, Lenora and Frank Inselbuch, F. Xavier Peña, Sara Speer Selber, Ginya and Clayton Trier, and Mitra and Joshua Woody.

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