America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! journal: Three days in New York City

In mid-April, DC SCORES Writing Coordinator Mira Smith accompanied star poet-athlete M'kya, 10, to New York City for the 10th Annual America SCORES Poetry SLAM! and a weekend full of memory-making. During three days, M'kya, a KIPP QUEST Academy fourth-grader, experienced many firsts, made friends with SCORES students from across the country, and inspired a capacity audience on SLAM! night.

Here, in chronological order, is Mira's journal from the trip:

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Previous M'kya posts
Get to know M'kya, Part I
Part II
Part III

Written by Mira Smith
Writing Coordinator

Saturday, April 9
After weeks of preparation and excitement, it was finally time to head to New York City for the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. M’kya and her mother Akita arrived at Union Station wearing incredible matching homemade DC SCORES KIPP QUEST T-shirts. We ate lunch together, picked out some snacks for the journey, and boarded the train. I relaxed during the train ride and M’kya spent the majority of the trip sleeping and writing in her journal. After we passed through Philadelphia, M’kya started counting down the stops until we would arrive in NYC.

Once we arrived at Penn Station, we walked a couple of blocks to our hotel to meet the other SCORES staff and poets. M’kya and I headed up to our room (on the 25th floor!) where she met her roommate for the weekend. The first event of the evening was the welcome dinner for all of the poets. Dinner was virtually silent as many poets had been traveling since early morning and looked like they longed for sleep. The poets played a fun ‘human bingo’ icebreaker and then had their first rehearsal with coach Tova where they learned about the rest of the weekend.

Eventually we headed upstairs to our penthouse suite, settled in and went to sleep.

Sunday, April 10
Sunday morning began with an exciting breakfast of New York style bagels — M’kya couldn’t believe how big they are in New York! All of the poets walked together to the SVA Theatre where the SLAM! would be held. They were wide-eyed, in awe of the performance space, and I could sense the excitement building. Coach Tova led the poets in voice warm-ups and taught the complex choreography for the the group poem. Although repetitive and tiresome, after a couple of hours the 13 poets who had just met each other the night before made incredible progress on their performance.

Next we ate lunch at a Barbecue restaurant where the poets had a chance to meet and chat with some professional poets including Charity Blackwell — former DC SCORES staff member and the emcee of the SLAM! — from D.C. Already, the poets had formed friendships with each other and mealtime was much more lively than the night before.

For the next few hours, we had a chance to do some sightseeing. M’kya and her friends decided to start with the Empire State Building. Along the way, we passed the public library and then finally turned a corner and suddenly came upon the impressively tall building. After two long elevator trips, we made it to the observation deck.

M’kya and her friends were astounded with how much it was possible to see from the top. They found the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and even our hotel! Everyone decided on Times Square for the next destination, so we all walked together toward the bright lights and billboards. After taking numerous photos with disney characters and superheroes, we headed to the m&m store. Who knew there could be a three-story building dedicated solely to m&m’s?

We headed back to the hotel for a quick break and then made our way to a fancy dinner joined by SCORES staff from around the country in town for the America SCORES conference. M’kya and her new friends spent most of the dinner playing games including the newly invented rhythm game “SCORES poet,” and a hilarious challenge where a person needs to find a straw using her mouth with her eyes closed. Emcee Charity Blackwell challenged the poets to a boys versus girls dance off the next night after the SLAM!, and so by the end of dinner everyone was secretly planning their dance moves and music selection.

Although tired from the long day, we headed back to the hotel for the annual slam pajama party — a tradition each year of the event. M’kya and her roommates covered the hotel floor in pillows and blankets, ate popcorn and candy and played different games to practice their poetry. Their favorites included a pillow-fight/freeze-dance poetry game and a battle to recite the group chants with as much attitude as possible. That night, the poets had no trouble falling asleep.

Monday, April 11
After eating another huge New York bagel, M’kya and the other poets spent the morning rehearsing group and individual poems with Coach Tova. It was amazing to see how much progress the poets made in just two days!

We ate a quick lunch at the hotel and then rode a bus to Central Park. It was a beautiful sunny day and the group found a perfect grassy spot to play soccer, run around and continue to get to know each other. Everyone had a blast spending time outside and releasing some nervous energy.

Next we headed back to the hotel, gathered our things and took a bus to the SVA Theatre. The poets rehearsed through the entire show complete with microphones, lighting and choreography. They even got a sneak preview of DC SCORES alumnus Xavier Crowell’s slam poetry performance! The group enjoyed a delicious dinner of New York pizza and then headed backstage while the guests arrived.

Each poet received their very own America SCORES National SLAM! jersey with their home city printed on the back. While the poets did some final voice warm-ups with Coach Tova, I grabbed my seat in the audience and waited eagerly for the show to start.

The powerful group poem “It Takes Courage” started off the show and the rest of the poems continued smoothly without a hitch. M’kya rocked her individual poem, "Could Rap Music Be," proving why she was picked to represent D.C at the Slam. Whether serious or silly, each individual poet blew away the audience with his or her thoughtful and poignant words.

After the final group poem, the poets ran off stage to the reception. The group spent the rest of the evening autographing each other’s shirts and the audience members’ programs. In DC SCORES tradition, the evening ended in a dance off where the poets got to show off their sweet moves, be goofy and celebrate with one another. Every participant felt proud of their individual and group accomplishments.

Tuesday, April 12
In the morning, M’kya, Akita and I walked to Penn Station. We stopped along the way to buy a couple of souvenirs and then boarded the train back to D.C. The weekend was memorable for everyone involved, and personally I can’t wait to hear M’kya’s next original poem.

I'm sure there will be many more!

Through poetry and spoken word, M'kya Stephens' confidence soars

M'kya and her little brother Markel, a future DC SCORES poet-athlete. 

In mid-April, M'kya Stephens, a 10-year-old from KIPP Quest Academy, will travel to New York City to represent DC at the 10th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!.

M'kya will be one of 14 poet-athletes from across the country who come together for three days. The kids will get to know each other, explore the Big Apple's most iconic places, work together on creating a group poem, and finally perform that poem and their individual pieces on stage Monday, April 11 in front of a capacity audience.

This year's SLAM! will be held at the SVA Theatre, and you can buy tickets here! This is the third and final blog in a series introducing you to M'kya, whose poem about shooting with cameras, not guns, captivated the audience at the DC SCORES Eastside Slam! in early December. 

Previous posts:
M'kya Part I
M'kya Part II

UPDATED: M'kya was incredible in New York City. Watch her performance below and here.



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M'kya holds her Shine Award trophy at home.

Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

Akita Mayhew doesn't know how her daughter M'kya, 10, would have handled what's she's seen in her community without DC SCORES.

All Akita does know is how the poetry aspect of the program has helped M'kya, in fourth grade, process events that many adults have a hard time dealing with, and how she has become one of the strongest voices at KIPP QUEST Academy in Northeast DC.

"I think part of what motivated her poem ('Shoot with Cameras, Not Guns,') was one day we were walking home from school and there was a shooting in front of the store," Akita recalled recently. "And that really, really affected her in a negative way.

"But she turned it into a positive and used DC SCORES as an outlet to get through it."

That wasn't the shooting M'kya references in the poem that won her the Eastside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! Shine Award and led to her being chosen to represent the city at the America SCORES National SLAM! in New York. That happened relatively soon after the first shooting and occurred behind the school.

"On top of that, sometimes we're just home and we hear police coming up and down the street or we hear gunshots that sound like they could be near the school or near the park," Akita said.

It's not an easy situation to grow up in, but M'kya is, according to Akita, "more confident in everything she does," a noticeable change that's occurred in less than half a year.

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Within weeks of the DC SCORES program starting last fall, M'kya became attached to writing. She was excited when she learned that poems didn't have to rhyme and that she could just express her feelings -- whether they were about the neighborhood, school, or something silly. 

Akita started noticing that just about every day when M'kya came home, she just wanted to talk about the self-expression workshops. M'kya began writing a poem with her 8-year-old niece who goes to Burrville Elementary School and will join DC SCORES next year. M'kya shared her poetry with her younger brother Markel, another future poet-athlete.

M'kya's writing became a popular topic at home. And it also impacted other areas of her life. 

"I've seen that she's become a determined girl when it comes to meeting all of her goals in school," Akita said. "Just in general, she's become really determined and she's really on top of her academics." 

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That determination was most evident as KIPP QUEST's DC SCORES team prepared for December's Poetry Slam! at H.D. Woodson High School. 

M'kya was competing against a couple other kids to see who would perform their original poem in front of the capacity crowd at the culminating event of the fall season. And she wanted to be the one. 

She wanted it badly. 

M'kya would come home every evening and perform for her mother, asking for feedback on how she sounded, how she pronounced words, her arm movements, and every single aspect that goes into slam poetry. All of this from a 9-year-old (at the time) who had never taken a stage by herself before.

"She was really making me critique her," Akita said, "And I was impressed like, 'You're really, really sold on getting this role.'"

When asked if M'kya has wanted anything more, Akita didn't hesitate:

"It's the biggest thing she's done since she's been in school."

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Akita and M'kya with D.C. United's
Travis Worra and Ben Olsen at the Slam!.

Akita was nervous the evening of Dec. 3 as she took her seat in H.D. Woodson's auditorium. She was nervous because she knew M'kya felt the same way. 

Her daughter stumbled just a tad at the beginning of her poem, and Akita yelled out, "OK, Mini Me!," the nickname for her daughter because she sees so much of herself in M'kya. From there, M'kya's words pierced through the din of the crowd, her voice becoming stronger and more confident with each syllable, the emotion laid on thick. 

"It was like something else came out of her," Akita said. "It was more emotion, it was more powerful than she had practiced with me, and that took me by surprise.

"I'm in the crowd and I'm yelling and choked up on tears."

M'kya's uncle, Akita said, told her, "Man, I was over there crying."

Akita had thought M'kya's words might feel softer and less confident because of the big stage and bright lights. Instead, her daughter embraced the spotlight and thrived with microphone in hand.

"She just made me so proud," Akita said. "I don't think I've been (more) proud of her than that day. She just really, really did her thing."

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And now onto New York. 

Akita has no doubts about how M'kya will approach this next stage opportunity. Akita's biggest challenge, in fact, might be to not let her daughter's head swell too big. Recently M'kya's dad texted her, asking if she was ready for New York. 

M'kya's reply? "Always ready."

Followed by strong arm and smug face emojis. 

I was like,' OK, M'kya, you're really showing out," Akita said laughing. 

Pointing to M'kya's father being a rapper and M'kya now wanting to be the center of attention and thriving in that space, Akita believes her daughter will stick with poetry and self-expression as a way to speak her mind and empower others for years to come. 

As if Akita needs a reminder of this, every time she enters the living room there's an object in plain sight. 

M'kya's Shine Award trophy, front and center. 

Poetry allows M'kya Stephens to write about community

In mid-April, M'kya Stephens, a 10-year-old from KIPP Quest Academy, will travel to New York City to represent DC at the 10th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!.

M'kya will be one of 14 poet-athletes from across the country who come together for three days. The kids will get to know each other, explore the Big Apple's most iconic places, work together on creating a group poem, and finally perform that poem and their individual pieces on stage Monday, April 11 in front of a capacity audience.

This year's SLAM! will be held at the SVA Theatre, and you can buy tickets here! This is the second blog in a series introducing you to M'kya, whose poem about shooting with cameras, not guns, captivated the audience at the DC SCORES Eastside Slam! in early December. You can read Part I here.

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Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

It was a somber, sad and scary day in M'kya's neighborhood that influenced M'kya's winning poem.

Here's how M'kya describes thinking of the idea for "Shoot with Cameras, Not Guns," which won her the Eastside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! Shine Award:

"I came up with the poem the day we had a notice about a shooting behind our school," she said. "I just thought back about all the crime that's been happening in DC over the past years I've been living here."

The poem was one of the most powerful at the Slam!, and now she'll perform it in New York City at the 10th Annual America SCORES Poetry SLAM! April 11. And to think that she didn't even really like poetry at first.



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The first DC SCORES self-expression session M'kya remembers from DC SCORES was a group one that didn't really resonate with her. However, when she and her teammates had their first writing workshop — given a pencil and her own notebook in which she could write freely, and with the support of her peers and coaches — M'kya became comfortable.

"I had the feeling," she said, "the writing coaches were really going to help me. "

Now, M'kya doesn't just write during DC SCORES; she writes poetry at home while spending time with her 4-year-old cousin who doesn't write yet but has plenty of time to follow M'kya's lead. 

"My favorite part of writing poetry is being able to express my feelings and being able to impress the crowd," M'kya said. 

"When I write a poem, I feel excited because I get to let out all my emotions and express about how I feel."

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M'kya smiles on a warm day in early March as she recalls performing for the first time in front of a capacity audience at December's Eastside Slam! at H.D. Woodson High School. 

"It was amazing because it was my first time doing something like that," she said. "I was kind of nervous because I thought I was gonna mess up.

"But when I went through the whole thing and I was finished and the audience was clapping for me, I heard my Mom's voice and I was like shocked because this was my first time performing in front of a big crowd."

M'kya's poem capped off KIPP Quest's performance, and the poet-athletes returned to their seats in the auditorium to watch the remaining schools take the stage. When emcee Charity Blackwell (who will also emcee in New York) began announcing the winners, M'kya didn't even consider the possibility she might be the Shine Award winner.

This made for an even more special moment when Charity spoke clearly into the microphone, "And the Shine Award goes to ... M'kya..."

"At first I just looked at my teammates and I was like, 'Did they just call my name or is that something else?'" M'kya said. "Was I dreaming or something? My teammates yelled, 'Yeah, M'kya,' and I was like, 'I won the Shine Award!' I was so happy."

M'kya will likely never forget receiving the shiny trophy. 

"That moment I was like happy for myself because this was my first time getting a real gold trophy, something that was metal that I couldn't break," she recalled. 

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There won't be any trophies in New York. The national SLAM! isn't a competition, but rather a showcase of the incredible self-expression and creativity SCORES is bringing out in poet-athletes across the country. 

M'kya is fine with that. This will be her first trip to the Big Apple, and she can't wait to see the Statue of Liberty, eat New York pizza, and be in the city where the New York Giants play — her godmother used to live in the city and passed along her Giants fandom. 

She doesn't plan on discontinuing her poetry writing anytime soon after April 11, either. More than anything, M'kya is excited to pass along her passion for self-expression to her brother, a second-grader who will join SCORES next year. 

And who knows — maybe the 4-year-old cousin will follow her lead, too. 

All anyone must do to be inspired by M'kya is watch her poem — the first of likely several she'll wow audiences with. 

Get to know M'kya, DC's National Poetry SLAM! star

In mid-April, M'kya S., a 10-year-old from KIPP Quest Academy, will travel to New York City to represent DC at the 10th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!.

M'kya will be one of 14 poet-athletes from across the country who come together for three days. The kids will get to know each other, explore the Big Apple's most iconic places, work together on creating a group poem, and finally perform that poem and their individual pieces on stage Monday, April 11 in front of a capacity audience.

This year's SLAM! will be held at the SVA Theatre. You can buy tickets here!

In the coming weeks, we will introduce you to M'kya, whose poem about shooting with cameras, not guns captivated the audience at the DC SCORES Eastside Slam! in early December. Watch a portion of that poem in the embedded video and meet M'kya below.

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To M’kya, being a part of SCORES means a chance to express her feelings through poetry and show off her soccer skills to her parents and teammates. Her clear oration, stage presence and inspiring message won her the Shine Award at the Eastside Poetry Slam! in December and the honor of coming to the National SLAM! in NYC.

M'Kya is particularly excited to visit the home of the New York Jets and New York Giants football teams, and for the opportunity to meet SCORES participants from other cities.

When she is not in SCORES, you will likely find M’kya cheerleading, dancing, drawing or making up songs about her family with her younger sibling. Although M’kya’s poetry may be serious, she wants everyone to know that she absolutely loves and thrives on making other people laugh!

We're sure she'll bring that humor along with her poetic creativity to New York in just over a month.

15 stories to celebrate 2015

Wow, what a year it's been. Thanks to your support, you have seen DC SCORES build teams for more kids in more DC communities than ever before! We've forged new partnerships, celebrated the many successes of alumni now in college, given out myriad awards — both to poet-athletes as well as coaches and volunteers — and so much more.

This is never an easy task, but below in link, photo and video form are our Top 15 from 2015. Please help us continue to grow and serve more DC kids with a tax-deductible donation before the ball drops Dec. 31

Thank you!

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No. 15 — Lincoln Middle School visits the White House

In February, Lincoln poet-athletes had the special opportunity to visit the White House for the President's ceremony with the MLS-winning L.A. Galaxy as well as the NHL-winning L.A. Kings. The kids not only got free gear from the Galaxy but got to ask questions of the professionals!

BLOG
Photo album

No. 14 — Jency and Leron take on the Big Apple



It was a weekend they'll never forget. In April, poet-athletes Jency of Barnard Elementary and Leron of Imagine Hope Community Charter School took the train to New York City for the 9th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. There, they made friends with kids from 13 other cities; ate NYC-style pizza; played soccer in Central Park; and performed on stage at the Reuters Building!

BLOG diary
Photo album

No. 13 — Celebrating our coaches and volunteers

Our 200 coaches and 400 volunteers are the people who make SCORES possible for the poet-athletes. That's why the SCORE Awards in May is such a special night. As is custom, we spent the evening at LongView Gallery celebrating the incredible people who change the lives of DC kids!

Photo album

No. 12 — Creating change throughout DC

At Truesdell Education Campus, students ran a campaign to clean up their school. At Raymond Education Campus, students got their hands dirty creating from scratch a school garden. And throughout the District at 40-plus other sites, DC SCORES kids made a difference in their communities through service-learning projects!

Photo album
Truesdell blog/video series

No. 11 — A HUGE Jamboree! celebrates spring season 



There's no better way to celebrate the spring season than with the culminating Jamboree!, which was bigger than ever with 2,000 people congregating at Anacostia Park for an action-packed Saturday of nonstop soccer games as well as family-fun activities such as facepainting, arts and crafts, highlighting service-learning projects, and much more!

BLOG recap
Photo album

No. 10 — A DC SCORES Cup for the ages 

The DC SCORES Cup keeps getting bigger and better. In 2015, more than 500 DC professionals met at the Maryland SoccerPlex for a day full of soccer games, teambuilding, fun and supporting DC kids.

BLOG recap
Photo album

No. 9 — Summer SCORES! 



Summer camp doesn't get much better than with DC SCORES. During three action-packed camps (free of charge, as always), kids picked up new soccer skills, made tons of friends, learned new arts disciplines (T-shirt screening, dancing!), went on field trips, and kept their bodies and minds fresh and engaged leading into the fall season!

Photo album

No. 8 — Alumni success stories



Summer is also special for DC SCORES because we watch alumni of the program head off to college — many the first from their families to do so. Such was the case for three young women whose stories we documented: Nijah, Ingrid and Claudia!

Nijah's story
Ingrid's story
Claudia's story

No. 7 — New members of our team!

In September, we welcomed six new staff members (not pictured above but in D.C. United photo below: Travis Worra) to our team. We take great pride in embodying the values the program instills in kids — teamwork, leadership, commitment — as a staff and also having a fun culture, and the additions have fit in really well!

Podcast with new staff

No. 6 — A huge partnership made official!

On Oct. 1, we announced a partnership with D.C. United that included consolidating with their United Soccer Club to serve more students through our program model. In the three months since, we've already gained greater visibility through being the charitable soccer arm of the Major League Soccer team and look forward to a very bright future together!

Press release

No. 5 — Volunteer explosion at Fall Frenzy

Yes, there were 1,000 elementary school kids at Trinity Washington University for the 18th Annual Fall Frenzy in late October — there were also hundreds of volunteers in their yellow shirts, demonstrating perhaps more than ever on one day how many people in DC are committed to and passionate about DC SCORES. Because of the volunteers, the action-packed day ran as smoothly as could be asked!

Blog recap
Photo album

No. 4 — An afternoon with the USWNT



In late October, Brightwood Education Campus poet-athletes got a treat when they visited President's Park just south of the White House for a soccer clinic and photo shoot. They learned skills from U.S. Women's National Team coach Jill Ellis, and then gasps ensued as the entire World Cup-winning team from the summer walked toward them across the grass. Minutes later, the kids were asking questions of Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach and getting autographs from Megan Rapinoe, Sydney Leroux and Christen Press. It was an afternoon they'll never forget!

Blog recap
Photo album

No. 3 — Meet Christian, all-star volunteer



There's a staff member we forgot to mention in No. 7 — Christian. During the past year, the now-sophomore in high school program alumnus has become a volunteering fixture at our office almost every day after school. Christian embodies DC SCORES' core values, brings a smile to the office every day, and also excelled as a summer camp counselor. Thanks for all you do, Christian!

Blog profile

No. 2 — Capital Cup champions relish the journey


When Capital City Public Charter School got a mini soccer pitch built this fall, members of the DC SCORES middle school team started coming to school early every day to play. So it's no surprise that CCPCS' dedication paid off and the girls team bonded together to win the Capital Cup middle school championship in late November. The same could be said of the Raymond Education Campus boys team that often practiced so hard, coach David Peterson had to tell his kids to tone the intensity down a bit. The strong soccer communities at both schools held up trophies on Nov. 24.

No. 1 — Hope Avenue at the Poetry Slam!

The season-culminating Poetry Slam! in early December never ceases to amaze and inspire, and this year's 18th edition more than met such expectations. During a time of turmoil and despair in the world and on a day when yet another mass shooting occurred in this country, students took the stage at Columbia Heights Education Campus and reminded us — the adults in the audience — that there, indeed, is a bright future. They guided us down "Hope Avenue" while celebrating each other's similarities and differences.

And that was just the first night of the event. The second night at H.D. Woodson High School, the students exemplified the message guest poet Malachi Byrd had for them at the show's onset: "I am powerful! I am enough." Just watching one or two of the 37 performances over the two nights, one thing was clear:

DC SCORES poet-athletes are powerful, proud, and much more than enough.

From our team to yours, thank you for an incredible 2015. We can't wait to share an extremely exciting future together!

National Poetry SLAM! diary: Three days in New York City!

DC SCORES Writing Coordinator Rachel Klepper accompanied poetry stars Jency M. and Leron B. on their trip to New York City for a weekend in the Big Apple with 25 other young poet-athletes culminating with the 9th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. Read below for Rachel's recap of the experience and view the photo album HERE. Watch any part of the SLAM! in the embedded video above or by clicking HERE. 

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Written by Rachel Klepper
Writing Coordinator

Day 1, April 11 -- On the Train to New York
Our journey to New York City began on Saturday morning when I met Jency and Leron at Union Station. We picked out some snacks and headed to the boarding area. Before we even made it to the train, the questions started: How long is the train ride? What will we do in New York? Will the buildings be really tall? This was both poets’ first trip to New York City, so they were full of questions and excitement.

On the train, Leron and Jency got to know one another and quickly became friends. They talked, watched movies, and eagerly awaited our arrival in New York. Finally, we stopped at Penn Station and made our way outside for their first glimpse of the city.

First we headed to the hotel to meet up with America SCORES staff and leave our suitcases. We got settled in quickly because Leron and Jency were impatient to explore! We had a few hours on our own before dinner since other cities' poets were still arriving from the airport. When I had first met the two poets back in DC, I asked them what they most wanted to see in New York. After hearing what they were interested in, I planned to use the time for two iconic New York activities: pizza and a visit to Times Square.

Both stops were a big success. We found an award-winning pizza store, where we all got enormous, cheesy slices. They were delicious! Then we walked through the crowded streets and soon emerged in the middle of Times Square. Jency and Leron’s eyes lit up as they saw the bright billboards, tall skyscrapers, and tempting stores all around them. It was a perfect introduction to the city.

When we returned to the hotel, it was time for dinner and meeting the 25 other poets who would be joining them for the weekend. Leron and Jency each settled in at a table with their three roommates and took part in a fun bingo icebreaker. After that the hard work began. They had their first performance workshop, where they began to understand how they would be preparing for Monday’s performance.

Day 2, April 12 -- Empire State Building!

Sunday morning started with a continuation of the Poetry SLAM! rehearsal. Each of the poets had a chance to practice the poem that they would perform on Monday night. Leron and Jency were both performing pieces that had won them Shine Awards at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December, so they were experts at their poems. However, they still had lots to learn from their talented peers, and paid careful attention as Coach Tova gave them advice on their voice and movement.

After lunch, it was time for an adventure to the top of the Empire State Building! We divided up into groups by room, so I traveled with Jency and her three new friends from Milwaukee, Cleveland and Portland. We waited in line to go up two elevators to the top, and when we got there we were greeted by a spectacular view and perfect weather. The girls loved taking pictures and searching for landmarks - they even found the Statue of Liberty!

Although everyone was tired by the time we returned to our room, we could only take a short break because we needed to get ready for dinner. Our Sunday dinner took place at the Marriott in Times Square, so we got dressed up and quickly walked the twenty minutes to the hotel. The poets felt so important in the gorgeous hotel, eating from the amazing buffet -- they especially loved selecting their desserts! Some poets had family members join them. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the hard work and dedication the poets and their communities put into writing poetry and getting ready for the SLAM!.

Despite their busy day and a long walk back to the hotel, the poets were not ready to sleep. They were filled with anticipation for what Monday would bring. Since it was the final night before the performance, we got to participate in an America SCORES tradition: the SLAM! Pajama Party. The poets in our room performed their poems for one another in a relaxed, friendly environment, while snacking on popcorn, playing music, and trying on their new NYC souvenirs.

Day 3, April 13 -- SLAM! TIME

Monday was the day of the performance, but there was still a lot of work to do! After breakfast, the poets gathered for more rehearsing. They only had a few hours to learn the group poem that would open the show. Each poet had written an original line that they memorized in addition to the chorus. The most important part, however, was learning to recite the poem in unison and to accompany it with choreography.

During this rehearsal, the team really came together. They learned to listen to one another and to each ensure that they were doing their part to make sure the piece went smoothly.

Then it was on to Central Park, another New York spot Jency and Leron had heard about from movies and TV shows. They sat outside in the sun and ate sandwiches, and then participated in small soccer games. It was a great way for everyone to relax and have fun before the big night.

We went straight from the park to the venue for the SLAM!, the Thomson Reuters building in Times Square. The performance would be at the very top of the skyscraper! When we arrived, the poets did a dress rehearsal on stage. Then they had some time to hang out and change into their special T-shirts. Everyone was feeling pretty nervous, but they were encouraged because they knew that they would all be on stage together.

The time passed so quickly that the poets had just barely finished their pizza dinner when they were led upstairs and backstage. They began with their group poem, chanting in strong voices: “Louder than thunder my voice will be heard. I breathe my dreams alive, I CAN change the world!”

After that, each of the 25 poet-athletes recited their poem. Emcee Charity Blackwell -- a former DC SCORES staff member and coach -- helped the poets feel comfortable and happy on stage. Jency was one of the first poets to perform her poem about bullying. She boldly asked the sell-out audience, “Do you have the courage to go against bullying? and pointed straight to the middle of the room, encouraging all of us to take a stand for what we believe in. Later, it was Leron’s turn. He confidently took the microphone out of its stand to walk across the stage as he spoke, reciting a meaningful poem about the price of freedom.

During the hour-long SLAM!, the poets spoke about their lives, their hopes, and dreams. The poems ranged from funny to serious, but they all captured the audience's attention and encouraged us to see the depth and promise of these children's thoughts. After the last performance, the poets exited the stage, wearing sunglasses and huge smiles on their faces. They were so proud of what they had accomplished and enjoyed meeting their fans and signing programs -- a very celebratory end to the weekend.

Soon we returned to the hotel, and for the first time all weekend the girls quickly fell asleep. They were exhausted from the long day and needed to get up early on Tuesday to pack up and head home.

Day 4, April 14 -- Heading home
The next morning I brought Leron and Jency to the train and we settled into our seats. They were both so happy to have experienced New York City, made new friends, and to be part of a new community of poets. They realized that poetry is now an important part of who they are and how they express themselves. They returned to school more confident and proud to be themselves, and with wonderful stories of their adventures in the Big Apple.

It was a weekend that they will never forget.

Going to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! -- Meet Leron

Written by Kristen Miano
Digital Media Intern

Leron B., a fourth-grader at Imagine Hope Community Charter School -- Tolson Campus in Washington DC, drew inspiration for his award-winning poem from an unlikely source: history class.

“My poem is about how people weren’t free, like in slavery, when the African Americans weren’t free and people had to fight for freedom in the Civil War,” Leron said. “I was learning about it, and that’s why I made the poem.”

Leron’s poem not only won him the Shine Award at the Eastside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December, but it also got him a ticket to New York City where he will take the stage with other young poets from across the nation at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

“I’m excited to see all the buildings,” Leron said of the trip. “Well, no. Just that one building. The really tall one.”

Leron, of course, means the Empire State Building, one of the many destinations he and DC SCORES’ other representative, Jency M., will find themselves at during their trip.

While he’s very excited about going to New York, LeRon confessed that he’s feeling a little anxious.

“I’m nervous because I’m going to be in front of a lot of people,” Leron said.

When he performed his poem at the Slam! in December, Leron said he wasn’t as nervous because the theater was dark and he couldn’t see the audience.

“And I was having fun because I was backstage before, yelling and goofing around,” he said.

Leron said his favorite part of writing poetry is the chance to get on stage and do some acting, but he also enjoys the creative process that goes into crafting a poem.

“I like writing poetry because I get to write a rhythm and have a lot of fun,” he said. “I started writing poetry because I was in DC SCORES and I was just having fun.”

Beyond the writing and the rhymes, Leron attests that he has learned an important lesson from his experience writing poetry.

“I learned what freedom is,” he said. “I learned how some people might not be free and what it’s all about.”

On April 13, Leron will perform that lesson for hundreds of people on another big stage. Stay tuned!

Going to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! — Meet Jency

Written by Kristen Miano
Digital Media Intern

Jency M., a fifth grader at Barnard Elementary School, has never been to New York City. But when she takes on the Big Apple on April 13 for the 9th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!, she already knows where she wants to go.

“The Statue of Liberty,” Jency said. “And the One Direction store!”

Jency will be joining a group of young poets from America SCORES affiliates across the nation when she takes to the stage next month to perform the poem that won her first place at the Westside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December.

The poem, which addresses issues of bullying and the importance of staying true to one’s self, is based on Jency’s own experiences at school.

“At school, I see a lot of people, like, changing their outfits to be more like other people,” she said.

Jency started writing poetry thanks to her grandfather, who she said was a “poetry man.” When her mother learned that DC SCORES offered poetry and self-expression sessions in addition to a soccer program, she encouraged Jency to get involved because she knew her daughter enjoyed both of those things.

“I like writing poetry because you can express your feelings in writing and other people can read it,” Jency said, “It doesn’t need to rhyme either — you just need to be you.”

When she performed her poem at the Slam!, Jency said she was pretty nervous.

“There were so many people, and you don’t know what they’re saying about your poem,” she said. “I had butterflies in my stomach, especially when they called my name [when I won].”

Jency said the support of her friends, classmates and teachers helped her to get over her nerves. Though she says she’s also pretty nervous about the National SLAM!, she’s really excited for the trip to New York and all of the planned activities. Oh, and for one other thing, too.

“The pizza,” Jency said, “Definitely the pizza.”

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Stayed tuned for more updates about the America SCORES Poetry SLAM! In New York April 13 as we follow Jency and poet No. 2 (revealed soon) on their journey to the national stage.

14 DC SCORES stories from an action-packed 2014

Happy almost-New Year! We can't wait for 2015, a year during which we will: continue to serve 1,500 DC youth year-round; provide more opportunities than ever before for alumni to stay engaged with DC SCORES; and much, much more (this is just a tease).

But before jumping into the year, 2014 is worth celebrating. We'd need a book to fit all the incredible, inspiring stories involving program participants, community members, staff, board and supporters. Instead, we've chosen 14 stories.

Enjoy reliving 2014 and if you haven't yet, consider making a year-end gift to DC SCORES today!

Stories are in chronological order

14. Seven schools participate in winter programming
For most of our 47 schools, winter is a short break from DC SCORES. But each year, we grow our scaled-down winter nutrition and soccer program. In 2014, seven elementary and middle schools participated, learning about healthy eating habits and keeping their soccer skills sharp with multi-school clinics.

13. Students shine at National Poetry SLAM!
DC SCORES standout poets Xavier C. of Arts and Technology Academy and Skky M. of Imagine Hope Community Charter School — Tolsen Campus were chosen to represent DC at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! in New York City, and boy did they shine. At the New York Stock Exchange, Xavier and Skky were among 26 young poets from across the country who put together one spectacular performance after another for a captivated audience.

12. A TV star is born 
Xavier's night wasn't over at the Stock Exchange. Immediately after the event, he visited NBC studios where he and America SCORES Executive Director Holly O'Donnell were guests on the live TV show 'The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.' Xavier was a natural as he described his New York experience, and he then captivated the TV audience by reading his poem. Soon after, the TV show's Facebook page lit up with praise for Xavier. Since April, Xavier has performed at a handful of big events in DC, wowing the audience each time.

11. Monsoon can't stop huge turnout for alumni tournament 
No one would have been blamed for not showing up to the alumni soccer tournament in mid-April. Not only was it during spring break, but DC was getting hammered by a legitimate monsoon. Torrents of rain drenched Tubman Elementary School, yet hundreds of program alumni showed their dedication to soccer and former teammates by showing up — and having a good (if wet) time!

10. Incredible coaches, volunteers honored at SCORE Awards
DC SCORES wouldn't be able to build teams for 1,500 youth if the coaches who work every day with the kids didn't build teams themselves. During a poignant night of celebration at LongView Gallery, awards were presented to teams of coaches and individual coaches and volunteers who best represent the teamwork, leadership and commitment that are the core values of DC SCORES programming.

9. The largest event in DC SCORES history
The first staff members arrived at 5:30 a.m. Volunteers came shortly after. And then hundreds upon hundreds of kids, families, community members and more. On May 31 at Anacostia Park, we hosted the largest event in our 20-year history, the 19th Annual Jamboree!. Across a large grassy expanse, 178 soccer games were played during six hours — 178! And there were plenty of other activities, too. Get ready for this year's Jamboree! May 30 — it might be even bigger!

8. 32 companies play in 12th Annual DC SCORES Cup
On June 14, more than 500 DC-area professionals teamed up for the largest DC SCORES Cup to date. Not only did the corporate charity tournament feature a record 32 teams, but for the first time it featured two divisions — Competitive and Casual — and, thus, two champions. And it raised more than $120,000. Sign up for the 2015 Cup by visiting www.DCSCOREScup.org.

7. Bethany Rubin Henderson becomes Executive Director
After an incredibly successful eight years of growth and leadership, Amy Nakamoto moved on and DC SCORES hired Bethany Rubin Henderson to lead the organization and build on all the things accomplished and established.

6. Two special summer camp visits — on the same day! 
DC SCORES provided more summer enrichment and exercise through the arts and soccer than ever before in the form of four free camps. Not only did kids keep their bodies and minds engaged through daily activities, but they enjoyed many field trips and special activities, especially the last week of camp. That's when professional soccer star Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan visited the Bruce Monroe camp to show kids some tricks, and coaches from Manchester United — yes, that club! — gave a soccer clinic to DC SCORES alumni. "It was exciting because they were teaching us stuff that they also teach professional players," Jose Q. said afterward. How cool is that?

5. DC SCORES alumni give back before heading to college
Each summer we're reminded of the impact of DC SCORES on kids' futures and their desire to give back. This year was no different. A large group of alumni worked as DC Summer Youth Employment (SYEP) counselors at camp, including Nana who is now in college but continues to give back to the program by mentoring younger kids.

4. Two visits to the White House
This past fall, DC SCORES visited the grounds of the White House twice! First, kids from Barnard Elementary School were the stars at an event put on by the Social Innovation Fund and U.S. Soccer Foundation. Then, just weeks later, Truesdell Education Campus students got a special treat when they received one-on-one attention from members of MLS champion Sporting K.C. during a clinic on the White House lawn. Both were unforgettable experiences for the kids.

3. Staff member Aaron Cannon wins award
Aaron Cannon was one of a handful of people who joined the DC SCORES staff in August. Just a few months later, Aaron was awarded for his commitment not just to the youth he coaches at Wheatley Education Campus but also the school and greater community when he received a distinguished Mayor's Community Service Award from District mayor Vincent Gray. See all organizational awards here.

2. A tremendous Giving Tuesday
On Dec. 2, we were reminded just how large and amazing the DC SCORES team is when more than $22,000 was raised during Giving Tuesday — far surpassing our goal. Nearly 300 people gave the gift of team during the 24 hours, helping us win the Catalogue For Philanthropy competition for most donors and an additional $5,000. It was the true definition of a team effort.

1. Does it get any better than the Poetry Slam!?
There is no better way to cap off an action-packed DC SCORES season — and year — than with the Poetry Slam!, and this year's 17th edition lived up to the hype. During the two-night event, every school performed original group and solo poems in front of capacity audiences. The event showcased how three months of work in the classroom can transform shy students who don't know what a poem is into confident, spoken word stars. Our blog series on Brightwood Education Campus illustrated this perfectly.

And in just a few months, two more poetry all-stars will head to New York for the America SCORES National SLAM!, just one event in what promises to be another exciting year.

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Want to help us make 2015 better than ever for more DC youth in need? Gift the gift of team today as a tax-deductible donation!

National Poetry SLAM! diary: A weekend of memory making in NYC

In early April, Elementary School Program Coordinator Rachel Klepper accompanied DC SCORES students Skky M. of Imagine Hope Community Charter School and Xavier C. of Arts and Technology Academy to New York City for the 8th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. But the trip was more than just the event. Rachel spent three days with Skky, Xavier, and students from 12 other cities during a a special weekend the kids will never forget.

Watch the SLAM! here, look at photos here, and see Xavier's appearance on MSNBC here.

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Written by Rachel Klepper 
Elementary School Program Coordinator

On Saturday morning, I met Skky, Xavier and their families at Union Station to take the train to New York City. Everyone was excited, and a little nervous as well -- it was the start of a big trip!

As we navigated our many suitcases through the crowded station, we ran into a surprise guest. Jerome Clemons, who is Skky’s coach at Imagine Hope Tolson Community Charter School, came to see us off! And he brought special presents for Skky and Xavier. They got each got a DC flag and pin so that they could share their DC pride with their new friends and keep a reminder of home while exploring a new city.

We quickly boarded the train and began our journey to New York. On the way, Skky and Xavier got to know each other, talked about their schools and their DC SCORES teams, and played card games. It was both of their first train rides, and they loved it!

When we got to New York, we found our hotel, which was on a busy street right next to Penn Station. We had a couple hours to settle in before dinner. Just looking out of our window on the 25th floor, we could see a sea of yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall skyscrapers -- we were amazed! Skky and Xavier were surprised by how different New York looked compared to DC, but they couldn’t wait to explore.

At dinner, Skky and Xavier got to meet the 24 other poet-athletes who would be joining them at the National SLAM! and would become their new friends. After we ate, the chaperones all met while the kids went off to get right to work on their poems. As I sat in the chaperone room listening to the plan for the weekend, I could hear the kids chanting and singing, already having so much fun.

After practice, we went up to our rooms. Skky and I stayed with one other chaperone and girls from Milwaukee and St. Louis, and Xavier stayed with two chaperones and three other boys. By bedtime, everyone was so much more relaxed and felt settled in to our hotel. After the first long day, the nerves had disappeared and they were excited to spend time with their friends and for all the adventures to come!

Sunday
The first priority Sunday was practice. Not only did each poet need to practice their individual poem, perfecting their memorization, annunciation, emotion, and movement, but everyone also needed to learn the group poem. The poets learned that the show would open with all 26 of them on stage, reciting a poem together, with each one having a special line about themselves and their city.

Watching the group poem practice was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. In a matter of days, they went from being 26 kids from states all across the country, to a team that could speak and move in perfect synchronization.

After some time to practice the individual poems in small groups, we ate lunch and then headed out on our first New York City adventure to the Statue of Liberty. By this time, Skky and Xavier had made friends with the other poet-athletes, so they raced on the bus to sit with their friends and pleaded to spend our time on Liberty Island with another group of kids. Of course, the answer was yes! We took a boat to the island and then got to climb the stairs to the pedestal of the statue, where we could look out and see beautiful views of the city.

We returned to the hotel just in time to change into our fancy clothes and head out to dinner at the Marriott in Times Square. Although the walk with 26 children through a packed Times Square at night meant lots of work for the chaperones, it was worth it to see the poet-athletes' wide eyes as they looked around at the blinking billboards and enormous stores. They certainly felt elegant and important as they rode the glass elevator up to the restaurant at the Marriott!

After dinner we returned to our hotel rooms for our pajama parties. In this National SLAM! tradition, each room gets to practice their poems in a fun and relaxed environment, while snacking on popcorn and other treats. In our room the girls practiced while dancing around the room and wearing some of their new souvenirs from NYC!

Soon it was bedtime, and although the girls wanted to stay up chatting all night, we knew that Monday would be a big day and everyone needed their rest.

Monday
Monday morning started off with breakfast in our hotel rooms, and then some more practicing of the group poem. After an hour of rehearsal we got on the bus for one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend: soccer in Central Park! Despite the light rain, our poet-athletes were happy to run around the park and play a fun soccer game. It was a great way to distract everyone from their nervousness about the performance.

From Central Park we took the bus right to the New York Stock Exchange, where the Poetry Slam would take place. It was finally almost time! First, though, the group got to practice on stage. Everyone recited their poems until they felt comfortable with the words and the microphone. At this point, everyone was pretty calm, though they were starting to realize that their big moment was getting closer.

Then the time came for the poet-athletes to head downstairs for dinner. They were all distracted by the delicious buffet, and by a surprise visit from soccer star and America SCORES spokesperson Briana Scurry. But little did they know that while they ate and laughed with their friends, hundreds of guests were arriving for the SLAM!. Soon it was time, and the poet athletes donned their matching shirts and neon sunglasses. They walked upstairs and down the center of the audience to take their places backstage.

That was the moment that the atmosphere changed. All around me, the poet athletes were realizing that in a few short minutes they would be up on stage in front of all these people. I could sense the anxiety, but I also could tell how ready they were. I knew that every single one of them was going to be amazing! I felt so happy to be able to be there with them and, along with the other chaperones, give them encouragement as they walked onto the stage to begin the event.

All 26 poet-athletes gave phenomenal performances. Their words captivated the audience, who reacted with smiles, laughs, or tears during the different poems. Each poem gave insight into a child’s life -- including their experience at school, their family, their imagination, or their dreams for the future. Their poems were deep, emotional, funny and inspiring.

After Xavier capped off the performances with his powerful school closing poem, all the students were treated like celebrities as they signed autographs for the guests. They also used their sharpies to sign each other’s shirts, leaving them with a memento of the SLAM! and of their new friends.

By that time, it was late and the poet-athletes were exhausted. However, the night was not over for Xavier. He had been asked to accompany America SCORES director Holly O’Donnell to New York's NBC studios to perform his poem and be interviewed on the Lawrence O'Donnell show.

Despite Xavier's exhaustion, his family and I traveled to the studio and waited until it was time for him to go on camera. Xavier was so poised and articulate on TV. He talked about his trip and his experience in DC SCORES, and performed his poem again. Then, finally, it was time to go back to the hotel for one last night with his roommates.

In the morning, we met to say goodbye to the whole group before getting on the train back home. The weekend was full of so many new and exciting experiences, and I think it is one that Skky and Xavier will never forget! They left feeling very proud of themselves, and ready to tell everyone at home about their trip to New York.

Nothing but inspiration at America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

"I'm in awe."

Those words were spoken by Briana Scurry, someone who isn't easily impressed. After all, the legendary U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper won two Olympic gold medals and the 1999 World Cup during an incredibly decorated soccer career.

So when Scurry — the newly anointed spokesperson for America SCORES — took to the stage about midway through the 8th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! at the New York Stock Exchange Monday night, she meant those three words — and she was far from alone.

We were all inspired.

During an action-packed hour, 26 poets representing 13 America SCORES cities far and wide took the stage and wowed the audience with an exhibition of self-expression like I've never seen before — and that's saying something, considering I've been at five DC SCORES Poetry Slam! events.

As many of the hundreds of guests remarked afterward, from the opening group poem — put together during just two days of practicing! — to Xavier C.'s culminating and incredibly powerful school closing poem, there was no drop-off between performances. But they were also incredibly varied, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats throughout the night. Some poems were in Spanish; others were pure comedy; more than anything, we got to know the amazing students through their self-expression.

Awe. We were all in awe.

And all convinced of the impact these students — just a handful of the 8,000 impacted each year through America SCORES — will make on the world.

Once the event had concluded and the students received a long standing ovation from the likes of Scurry, former soccer star and current broadcaster Shep Messing, members of the New York Red Bulls, and hundreds of others, guests wouldn't let the evening's stars leave just yet.

We all wanted their autographs. The 26 elementary and middle school youth walked around in their America SCORES T-shirts — with their cities on the back — signing guest's programs and having us ink words of congratulations on their red shirts. It was the perfect capper to an incredible night of inspiration.

Except, for one student, it wasn't over...

Xavier — showing no signs of fatigue from a LONG day — headed to New York's NBC studios with America SCORES Executive Director Holly O'Donnell for an appearance on MSNBC's "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell." The national show's first guest in 2010 was Joe Biden. On Monday night, Xavier owned the spotlight (VIDEO).

The 10-year-old could have been forgiven for appearing a bit tired on late-night TV, but Xavier was far from that. Rather, he was a natural in front of the camera, demonstrating the same poise he had two hours earlier in delivering his poem for the national TV audience and answering all of O'Donnell's questions without hesitation.

When the segment ended, Xavier — looking like a seasoned TV guest — told O'Donnell, "Thank you for having me."

After Monday's grand show, I had the same feeling for the poet-athletes who put on the greatest exhibition of self-expression I've ever witnessed.

If you weren't at the NYSE and missed the live streaming of the SLAM!, you can still watch it on the embedded player and HERE (beginning at the 22:00 mark).

America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! profile: Skky M., Imagine Hope Community Charter School

Written by Kara Dunford
Communications Intern

On April 7, New York City will shine bright as almost 30 poets from across the country come together for the 8th annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!.

Skky M., a fifth grade DC SCORES student at Imagine Hope Community Charter School, will take to the stage to perform her poem “The Hungry Child.”

Skky started writing poetry as part of the DC SCORES curriculum this past fall and said it helps her to express herself.

“I like writing poetry because I like to present it in front of my classmates. It makes me feel confident,” she said.

Skky was recognized at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! this past December, winning the Shine Award for best individual performance. It was an incredible achievement for a child performing in front of a huge audience for the first time in her life.

Jerome Clemons, one of the Imagine Hope coaches, said the opportunity for Skky to go to New York City says a lot about the school and community.

Skky performs at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam!.

“We hope everyone enjoys the performance, but really enjoys and sees the passion we instill in our players and our students,” he said.

When I had the chance to chat with Skky about her upcoming performance, the passion Clemons discussed was on full display. As she performed her poem, it was clear that Skky deeply felt each of the emotions expressed in the text.

Skky talked about her performance in December. She admitted she was nervous, but that didn’t stop her.

“I just stayed confident,” she said, noting that her practice in the classroom and support from her teammates was key.

The Imagine Hope Soaring Eagles, who won third place at the Poetry Slam!, are excited for their teammate. During my visit to the school, the team prepared a chant to wish Skky luck on the big day.

“It shows our teamwork,” Clemons said. “We all work together in writing and performing, and then in playing soccer.”

Skky is looking forward to having the chance to perform with the students from America SCORES affiliates across the country at the National Poetry SLAM!, which will be held inside the New York Stock Exchange.

“I’m looking forward to meeting other kids and becoming friends,” she said.

Check out the embedded video (also HERE) to hear more from Skky and take a sneak peek into her practice for the National Poetry SLAM!. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #SCORESslam14 for updates from New York.

13 stories that defined DC SCORES in 2013

It's not too often we take a look back.

We can't afford to. With thousands of students in Washington, DC, still lacking a team to be on (help provide a team by Dec. 31!), the focus is always on doing more — providing more youth at more schools with our high-quality Arts/Athletics/Academics program.

In 2014, we will also ramp up our focus on offering more opportunities for high school youth who have graduated from our formal program to stay engaged.

There's A LOT to look forward to.

But before we close the book on 2013, here's a look (with links) at our hand-picked Top 13 Stories of the year. This was no easy list to create, so please chime in with comments on the stories you think should have been included! And you can always find a list of organizational accomplishments here.

Stories are in chronological order:

13. Poetry flows from supporters close and far during National Poetry Month
For the first time, DC SCORES celebrated National Poetry Month in style — asking staff members, board members, and supporters far and wide to exercise their creative genes and write a poem for us. The results were tremendous. We got a haiku from Chancellor Kaya Henderson; a poem from Councilmember David Grosso; spoken word examples from other youth advocate leaders in DC; and more. The month demonstrated, as we know from watching youth during the fall season, that anyone can create a beautiful piece of poetry when given the freedom to write whatever is on their mind.

12. Kastenny, staff member Anna, and
Christian in New York City!

12. Pair of poet all-stars perform at America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! 
The first week of April, two DC SCORES poets took a very special trip — a train ride to New York City, the Big Apple! Christian Brown of Tubman Elementary School and Kastenny Contreras of Marie Reed Elementary School represented DC at the 7th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! at the New York Stock Exchange. They were chosen after outstanding performance at our Slam! the previous fall. The students not only spent a weekend exploring New York, but befriended students from America SCORES' 13 affiliate programs and performed brilliantly and courageously under the bright lights. "I love poetry because of the feeling when you speak," Kastenny said.

11. DC SCORES students promote healthy lifestyles during Global Youth Service Day
On a Saturday morning in late April, Columbia Heights was full of energy as a large group of DC SCORES students, staff members, volunteers, and partners from the Sodexo Foundation paraded around the neighborhood delivering a strong message: "NO KID HUNGRY, NO KID HUNGRY." The march was the capper of a morning that focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, with the youth delivering the message and feeling empowered. Through a combination of dancing, fitness tests, and the march, those who came to Global Youth Service Day left feeling inspired to spread the word about being fit and feeling healthy.

10. Kelly Miller students teaching seniors about new
technology as their service-learning project!

10. Students make large impact on communities through service-learning
Each spring, every DC SCORES team dedicates itself to bettering its school or greater community through a service-learning project. The students take the bonds formed during the fall soccer and poetry season and — guided by a detailed curriculum — brainstorm and then implement a project. In the spring of 2013, there was more change throughout the District than ever before. Kelly Miller Middle School students taught seniors how to use modern technology such as smartphones and tablets; Bancroft Elementary School students organized a race in their neighborhood to raise over $1,000 for a local animal shelter; and there were dozens of other incredible projects. What a spring of service!

9. The largest Jamboree! — or any DC SCORES event — ever
Three hours before the beginning of the 18th Annual DC SCORES Jamboree!, staff members and volunteers were setting up soccer goals in the dark at Anacostia Park. That was the preparation time necessary to set up 14 soccer fields that would be home to 128 soccer games during the course of six hours. More than 1,500 people attended the event, which also featured soccer skills stations, relay races, facepainting, a service-learning project competition, and the City Cup championship for elementary schools. The largest event in our program history wouldn't have been possible without the dozens of volunteers and partner organizations who helped it run smoothly throughout the crazy day!

8. Do More 24 (or 48!) — an incredible show of support
On June 6, we asked supporters to give to DC SCORES during Do More 24 — a fundraising drive organized by the United Way. We were participating in the event for the first time, so we were unsure what to expect. The response we received was overwhelming and reaffirmed for us how many people believe in the DC SCORES mission. Nearly 150 people donated during the drive, and more than half of them were first-time donors. Their combined effort provided more than 350 soccer uniforms for DC youth, an incredible performance by our team of supporters. Thank you!!

7. Tournament-record 30 teams participate in DC SCORES Cup
On June 15, more than 500 professionals from the greater DC area converged on the Maryland SoccerPlex for an action-packed day of soccer, camaraderie, and fun for a great cause — the 11th DC SCORES Cup. The DC area's largest corporate soccer tournament grew from 26 to 30 teams and raised an event record $100,000 for our program. While District Sports came away at the end of the day with the large tournament trophy — which they will keep until June 14, 2014 — everyone had a great time on a beautiful day in Gaithersburg, Md. Look for the tournament to continue to grow this year!

6. Just another action-packed day at summer camp!

6. Four summer camps provide enrichment for 250 DC youth 
For a combined 14 weeks during the summer, students in Washington, DC, stayed engaged athletically and artistically through DC SCORES summer camps that were free to participants and open to any students — not just those in the fall and spring program. At four sites, students learned soccer skills, built friendships with kids from other schools from throughout the city, and kept their minds active through artistic activities and a variety of field trips. The camps also kept former DC SCORES participants engaged, as several high school students worked as counselors and served as role models for the younger students. With summer learning loss a critical issue for low-income youth, the camps were vital in keeping participants physically fit and thinking critically until school started again.

5. DC SCORES featured on the front page of The Washington Post
On August 1, DC SCORES was prominently featured on the front page of The Washington Post's Metro section — with a long article and a handful of photos from summer camp. The article shed light on an issue that we think about every day and are tackling head-on with our focus on older youth — the lack of athletic opportunities for girls in the District. The article noted that only four of 15 public high schools in DC have consistent girls soccer teams. "That's insane," Executive Director Amy Nakamoto was quoted. The article was a tremendous marketing piece for us, as emails and phone calls flooded in from people who had previously not heard of the program but now wanted to get involved.

4. DC SCORES chosen for inclusion in Catalogue for Philanthropy
In May, DC SCORES received a great honor when we were chosen for inclusion in the annual Catalogue for Philanthropy as "one of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region." It was the third time we were hand-picked for the catalogue, which since forming in 2003 has helped raise more than $21 million for DC nonprofits. The catalogue, which was released in early November, not only features DC SCORES among 74 organizations highlighted but also has a full-page photo of our program.

3. U-16 DC SCORES team thrives during first season
The idea was born during a summer tournament and evolved into a team that fortified during its first season. DC SCORES coaches Popsie Lewis and Simon Landau created a U-16 soccer team for former and current program participants from seven different schools in the District. For some of the kids, it was a chance to keep playing organized soccer during high school. For the younger kids, it was the opportunity to play against older, tougher competition and get better from it. During the season's last game, the team put together an inspired comeback victory. Since then, they've practiced several times and can't wait for another season together.

2. A Poetry Slam! for the ages
We don't beat around the bush when asked what the best event of the DC SCORES year is. It's the Poetry Slam!, and it never lets spectators down. This year was no different, as there were a record 41 performances during the two-night event, the 16th Annual Slam!. The 5-minute performances by each school highlight all aspects of our program, cover the spectrum of emotions from sad to serious to funny, and highlight the confidence students gain to express their innermost feelings during our three-month fall season. Executive Director Amy Nakamoto called the second night of the Poetry Slam! — the Eastside event — the best she's seen during seven years with the organization. Watch the performances and judge for yourself on the DC SCORES YouTube page.

1. The DC SCORES team grows
It wouldn't be feasible for our program to continue growing while maintaining high-level — and award-winning — programming if not for our incredibly dedicated staff, board of directors and, of course, coaches. And to expand to serve even more students (1,500 at 47 schools), we strengthened our capacity. Our staff reached 18 full- and part-time employees, including three new positions. We added seven new members to our Board of Directors. And we employed 190 soccer and writing coaches at our schools — the people who make our soccer, poetry and service-learning model work every day!

To everyone who contributed to DC SCORES during 2013 ... and it would take a book to list you all ... THANK YOU for an incredible and inspiring year.

Here's to an even more spectacular 2014!