McCowan Middle School Student Earns 3rd Place at Tulisoma Youth Poetry Contest Hosted by the African American Museum of Dallas
DeSoto Independent School District proudly celebrates Curtistene
S. McCowan Middle School seventh grader Jaelyn Martinez, who earned third
place in the 2025 Tulisoma Youth Poetry Contest held Friday,
November 7 at the African American Museum of Dallas.
Founded as part of the Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair, the
Youth Poetry Contest encourages young writers to share their perspectives
through creative expression. Hosted by the African American Museum of Dallas
and supported by educational partners such as Dallas College, the program
uplifts student voices while promoting literacy, culture, and community
engagement.
The annual event, hosted in partnership with Dr. Joe
Seabrooks, President of Cedar Valley (Dallas College), highlights the
creative voices of youth poets across North Texas. This year’s theme, “My
Future, My Life, My Story,” challenged students to express their
individuality, vision, and resilience through original poetry.
Under the guidance of Assistant Principal Dr. Cora Garner
and Campus Librarian Ms. Laurene Ragsdale, fifteen McCowan students
submitted poems for the contest. Among the outstanding submissions, Jaelyn’s
deeply personal and evocative poem, “My Grief,” was selected as a
finalist by the Tulisoma program committee. She went on to deliver a powerful
live performance before a large audience of students, educators, and community
leaders, earning third place overall among four regional finalists.
“Jaelyn’s poem spoke from a place of honesty and courage,”
said Dr. Cora Garner, Assistant Principal at McCowan Middle School. “Her
ability to articulate complex emotion through poetry shows a maturity beyond
her years. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and creative spirit.”
Principal Shonda Boston-Smith echoed that pride,
stating, “Jaelyn’s success reflects the heart of McCowan Middle School—where
our students are empowered to find and use their voices. Her achievement is an
inspiration to all of us, reminding our campus community that every story matters.”
“This recognition represents the power of arts education and
the transformative role it plays in shaping confident, expressive young
people,” said DeSoto ISD Director of Fine Arts, Twynetter Anderson.
“Jaelyn’s accomplishment showcases how DeSoto students are not only learning
but leading through creativity and expression.”
McCowan Middle School extends heartfelt congratulations to
Jaelyn and to all participants who shared their stories with courage and
creativity. The district also celebrates the Tulisoma Youth Poetry Contest
finalists for their artistry and excellence:
- Sydnee
Ingram – Collegiate Academy Middle School
- Jaelyn
Martinez – Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
- Akylah
Starling – Collegiate Academy Middle School
- Emory
Turner – Collegiate Academy Middle School
As part of the Tulisoma celebration, each finalist was
invited to perform their poem during the Youth Poetry Showcase,
continuing the event’s tradition of honoring student voice, identity, and
cultural expression.