Worcester's new youth poet laureate: 'I’m going to continue to lead the artistic revolution.'
WORCESTER — Adael Mejia began writing at a young age while living in Ecuador with his father, a teacher.
“I would go to school with him and he would have me write different stories, and practice my ABCs,” Mejia said.
As a Burncoat High student, he would turn to writing when he had trouble fitting in, and eventually discovered a love for theater, dance, music, art and performing.
Following his senior year, he joined the city’s first Create 508 program, which aims to educate and empower young creatives interested in community development and entrepreneurship.
“I have a passion for developing youth artists and our growing community,” he said.
On Wednesday, Mejia was rewarded for that passion when he was appointed Worcester's next youth poet laureate.
And he has big plans for this two-year term, which begins Saturday.
“I’m going to continue to lead the artistic revolution that is giving Worcester its brand-new look," he said. "I am going to normalize events dedicated towards art and youth.”
Mejia also plans to work with public and alternative schools, and specifically with mental health and rehabilitation programs.
“Long story short, I believe children deserve as many chances as it takes to do right," he said. "I want to inspire and give hope to our future leaders. No child left behind!”
Along with Worcester's poet laureate, the youth poet laureate serves as an official ambassador to the city’s cultures of poetry and literature, both using their positions to promote local writers and the transformative qualities of poetry and the written word.
Mejia takes over for Amina Mohammed, the city's first youth poet laureate, whose two-year term ends Friday.
Worcester Poet Laureate Juan Matos will serve as a mentor to Meija.
“Congratulations to Adael Mejia, whose talent stood out among an exceptional field of applicants,” City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. said. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide a platform for Adael to share his artistic vision through poetry to the Worcester community.
"During these turbulent times, we rely on creative people like Adael to help us process the ups and downs life sends our way. We are looking forward to seeing where Adael takes us.”
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Burncoat High graduate Adael Mejia Worcester's next youth poet laureate
