– Ladue’s John Burroughs School senior Shangri-La Hou selected as one of five National Student Poets.
– Hou will represent the Midwest in promoting poetry across the country.
– Recognition includes $5,000 academic award and one-year ambassadorship.
Ladue’s Literary Luminary Shines on National Stage
Sometimes, the quietest voices speak the loudest. This is certainly the case with Shangri-La Hou, a senior at John Burroughs School in Ladue, who has managed to silence Missouri with the power of her poetry. A poetic prodigy, Hou has been selected as one of five National Student Poets, where she will serve as a youthful ambassador for poetry across the region.
Unleashing Heartfelt Verses Across the Heartland
As part of her role, Hou will carry the ginormous task of enkindling a love for poetry in the Midwest. This not-so-small feat involves public readings, workshops, and, no doubt, pouring her poetic prowess onto the clamouring masses, thirsty for form and feelings in verse.
As a proud representative of Missouri and the Midwest, Hou also has her eye on the universal themes of connection, community, and culture, which find a familiar echo in her own works. In these polarising times, Hou’s promotion of poetry seeks to unite hearts and heal divisions one verse at a time.
Award and Ambassadorship: Reflecting Brilliance and Bringing Poetry to People
It’s not just prestigious recognition Shangri-La Hou has snagged with this honor. This opportunity also comes with a $5,000 academic award, which Hou, doubtlessly, will put to great use. Through her one-year ambassadorship, she will not only have a platform to broadcast her poetic brilliance but also bring poetry to the doorstep of daily dialogue across the region.
The Breezy Take
Shangri-La Hou’s selection as one of the National Student Poets is a testament to her talent and the transformative power of poetry. This is more than just an achievement for Hou; it’s an achievement for Missouri and John Burroughs School that nurtured her brilliance. Looking ahead, Hou’s ambassadorship holds promise for rallying the Midwest around the magic of poetry – a timeless tool for dialogue and understanding. So, while highlighting her personal prowess, Shangri-La’s recognition reminds us of the compelling effect of poetry in connecting hearts and mending societal divides. In short, a well-deserved honor and an opportunity to keep the power of poetry alive and thriving in the heartland.
Original article: https://stlpr.org/arts/2023-08-29/teenage-poet-from-lake-st-louis-will-promote-poetry-to-students-nationwide
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