The brainchild of former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, The National Favorite Poem Project was launched in 1997 to celebrate the sheer pleasure of poetry with the public at large. This marks the twenty-fourth year that Newburyport High School students will curate a Favorite Poem Project right here in Newburyport. We invite everyone to submit a favorite poem, along with a brief statement explaining how you discovered the poem and why this poem has personal meaning for you. We are not looking for literary analysis, but rather for an explanation of your connection to the poem. Poems may be old or modern, famous or obscure, English or another language with translation, but should be written by someone other than you. (Exceptions may be made for readers under 12 years old.)

NHS students will review and select 24 poems to be read at the Newburyport Senior Community Center on Sunday, June 14th at 3 pm. Each reader will have no more than three minutes to read a poem and share a few words about it.

Along with a copy of the poem, please send some identifying information about yourself, such as your profession and/or age, so we can be sure to select a varied group of readers and poems. Past programs have included readers ranging in age from 5 to 103; their chosen poems have spanned centuries and cultures. Readers have included local politicians, shop keepers, retirees, native New Englanders, newcomers, and students, among others. We aim to create a diverse program that conveys the power of poetry to unite us all - regardless of our differences - in our common humanity.

Send a favorite poem by May 20 to: dszabo@newburyport.k12.ma.us OR mail to: Deborah Szabo, Newburyport High School, 241 High St., Newburyport, MA 019150.