Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Excellence in the EPS Highlights from around the district Art Expo Winners The Everett Public Schools (EPS) launched its 2022 Black History Month schedule of events with the Cultural Arts Expo on February 2. Hosted by the Young Black Excellence Society, the virtual event featured a variety of submissions in different art forms. EPS Chief Equity Officer Cory McCarthy facilitated the expo, introducing each artist and encouraging discussion about their work. Emerging Los Angeles-based film director Richard Monteiro delivered a special message to Everett High School (EHS) students, followed by a screening of his short film, “Beat.” The film is a powerful look at the forces that greatly determine the paths we take. The first-, second- and thirdplace finishers are artists Zakiah Walker and Selma Moutaouakkil as well as poets Neeysa Denning and Gabby De Gouveia, who tied for third place. All four students walked away with prizes, including AirPods for Walker and free lunch for Moutaouakkil and five of her friends as well as free lunch for Denning and De Gouveia and a teacher of their choice. “There are not enough superlatives to describe the talents and abilities of our students,” said McCarthy. “Our expo is a meaningful way to showcase this work and, more importantly, give it the attention and consideration it deserves.” The prize-winning poems are below. Lotus Flower By Neeysa Denning Lotus Flower in a tree Right across the big blue sea. In the tree attached to a blossom, the flower lies alone. Other flowers having fun blowing in the gleaming sun. Flowing in the spring breeze as bees lie on their petals, colored gold like shining metals. Oh so suddenly, a squirrel! No a flying squirrel! Soaring in the tree, playful as can be. “Little Lotus Flower, why so blue? Usually I oversee a pink-ish hue…” Lotus Flower shyly drooping her petals explained… “I’d like to play too with all the others, But I suppose they all know each other… I wouldn’t want to interrupt, as the flowers merrily erupt!” But how would little Lotus know if she didn’t try to introduce and wave her petals “hi.” Sometimes ones can be so shy, but the flower has a lot to offer. Lovely oh so lovely smile when she’s making art. Oh and not to mention her humongous heart. Terrific sense of humor as she laughs brightly. Up helping fellow flowers lay to sleep nightly. Super incredible in every single way. “If you want to make a friend or two Lotus, then make some now today!” Sometimes it is hard to introduce oneself, but determined Lotus leaped and yelped. Roses, Tulips, Daisies, galore. Dandelions, Lilacs and many more! All of which stared, but stared with a smile. “Come sweet Lotus, let’s sway for a while!” Acceptance and fun with friends of many… Is much appreciated but still EXCELLENCE | SEE PAGE 20 Artwork created by Everett High School student Zakiah Walker was on display during the Cultural Arts Expo on February 2. Walker finished in first place. Artwork created by Everett High School student Selma Moutaouakkil was on display during the Cultural Arts Expo on February 2. Moutaouakkil finished in second place. Artwork created by Everett High School student Selma Moutaouakkil was on display during the Cultural Arts Expo on February 2. Moutaouakkil finished in second place. Artwork created by Everett High School student Zakiah Walker was on display during the Cultural Arts Expo on February 2. Walker finished in first place.
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