Writers in the Schools' Many Voices | One Houston Gala

Writers in the Schools (WITS) presents its ninth annual gala supporting creative literacy for K-12 children in schools, communities, and hospitals. Event proceeds are instrumental in helping WITS reach more underserved children, grow innovative programs, expand the young adult performance poetry movement, and coach teachers. WITS will honor The Leech Family with the Many Voices | One Houston Award.

Perryn Leech serves as Managing Director for the Houston Grand Opera. HGO and WITS are powerful partners, showcasing the voices of Houston through opera, poetry, and innovative forms such as spoken word and game-based learning. Caroline Leech is an author whose young adult debut, Wait For Me, was published by Harper Teen earlier this year. Her second novel, In Another Time, will be out next spring. The Leech children, Jemma, Kirsty and Rory, are high school students at Lamar HS and HSPVA, and have been WITS students for more than a decade. The oldest, Jemma, has cerebral palsy, and is an award-winning poet and essayist who has garnered national attention. Together, the Leech family passionately promotes creativity, storytelling, and the written word.

Held at The Astorian, the gala will feature a literary-themed silent auction, dinner catered by Cuchara, student stories, and poetry performances. Houston’s next Youth Poet Laureate will also be announced at the event.

Honoree: The Leech Family
Honorary Chair: Marcia Nichols
Celebration Chair: Sara Speer Selber
Auction Chair: Beth McEntee