Famous US poet inspires students at Athy's Ardscoil ns Tríonoíde
Library leaders Ava Childs, Lily Mae Brennan, Harry Blanchfield, Mollie Taaffe Harward, Kinga Buckowska and Charlie Slevin along with Tracy K Smith and Kate Leahy
IT was a memorable day at Ardscoil ns Tríonoíde as the renowned poet and former US Poet Laureate, Tracy K Smith, visited the school, bringing her lyrical wisdom, powerful words, and an undeniable sense of inspiration to students and staff.
The event, which was eagerly anticipated by the entire school community, offered a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most significant voices in contemporary poetry.
From the moment Tracy K. Smith began speaking, her presence immediately captured the room. She was greeted with a standing ovation by students and staff alike, who admire her work. Known for her profound and thought-provoking poetry, Ms Smith has gained wide recognition for her ability to weave personal and universal themes, ranging from identity, family, and history to the complexities of the human experience.
The visit came about fifth and sixth-year students study Ms Smith’s poetry for the leaving cert. She is the only living poet on the sixth year curriculum so English teacher Orla Kelly decided to reach to see if Ms Smith might do a Zoom call.
Ms Smith replied that she was thinking of visiting Ireland and would love to do a talk in person.
Ms Kelly jumped at the chance and even picked her up from the hotel that morning!
Ms Smith's visit was highlighted by a captivating poetry reading of some of her most celebrated poems, including selections from her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, Life on Mars.
As she read, the room seemed to transform; the rhythmic cadence of her voice brought the words to life, stirring emotions and prompting reflection among listeners. Students were in rapt attention as her poems transported them into different worlds.
Ms Smith encouraged students to embrace their unique voices and perspectives. One of the most impactful moments of the visit came when Smith opened the floor to questions from students.
It was clear that the students felt a deep connection to her work, with many asking about her personal experiences with writing, the role of poetry in social justice, and the significance of memory in her poems.
During the Q&A, Smith shared how poetry had helped her process her own emotions and navigate the complexities of her identity.
She emphasized the importance of writing as a means of documenting history and speaking truth to power.
Her words were empowering, inspiring students to approach writing as not just an artistic endeavour, but as a way to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Ms Smith then officially opened our newly revamped Edmund Ignatius Rice Library. Before cutting the ribbon, Smith spoke about how libraries are sacred spaces where knowledge, stories, and different perspectives come together.
They are spaces for exploration and reflection, offering a sense of peace and connection to the world around us.
It was a day that will be long remembered in the school.
“Our students are still talking about their experience. She made a huge impact on their lives,” said Ms Kelly.
