Ticket to Imagination Gala

Writers in the Schools (WITS) presents the Ticket to Imagination Gala, supporting literacy, creativity, and the voices of Houston’s children. Held at The Astorian, the gala will be emceed by Houston Youth Poet Laureate Jackson Neal. It will feature an evening of student stories, poetry performances, and dinner by Churrascos Catering.

WITS will honor Dr. Lenora Mendoza Noroski, long-time WITS supporter and advocate for children. Dr. Noroski is Associate Professor of Pediatrics, serving as Fellowship Associate Director, Director of Educational Programming and Clinical Immunologist in Immunology, Allergy & Retrovirology at Texas Children’s Hospital. She has received recognition for her work as Medical Director for the first recreational/educational camps in Texas for HIV-infected children and their families and for serving as co-founder and Director of Kids Council, a patient-youth advocacy program. Dr. Noroski will be honored for her leadership and dedication to bringing the healing power of storytelling to children receiving critical medical treatment.

Houston’s next Youth Poet Laureate will be announced at the event. Guests will also be treated to a performance by youth poetry slam team Meta-Four Houston, as well as poetry and prose readings from young writers in WITS programs. 

Event proceeds will go towards providing high-quality creative literacy education to low-income students in schools, hospitals, and communities throughout Houston.