Marylhurst Students and Alumni Recognized in Statewide Poetry Contest
The Marylhurst School is proud to celebrate three members of our community who were recognized in the 2026 Cascadia Youth Poetry Contest, hosted by the Oregon Poetry Association. Two current students and one recent alumna were selected as winners among young writers from across Oregon, highlighting the depth of creativity, observation, and voice that poetry can help students develop.
In Division I (K–5), third grader Hazel Partridge was recognized for her poem Be Kind To Earth, a reflective piece that explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Through vivid imagery and emotional insight, Hazel invites readers to think more deeply about stewardship, care, and interconnectedness.
Our rivers spread the paths.
Flood sidewalks that were once walkable.
Careful with the words you speak.
They can lead to a big eruption.
The worst thing is they never heal when you hurt them.
Big mountains, giants sleeping.
Take a hike and feel their breath.
It is sometimes cool as the breeze
or warm as your nice blanket: the clouds.
Rivers as their tears.
A drop of water, as big as your imagination can take you.
Away from annoying sounds and mean people.
And it makes you wonder: why was the giant upset?
Maybe because someone climbed to the top of him and stuck a flag into his back.
Or someone pulled a baby flower out of his leg.
So just wonder, and make sure you take care of our giant
because the planet is giant and when one part falls, the others will, too.
Sun, the glowing ball of gas that shines down on us; rain or shine.
Just sometimes, we’re too distracted or blinded by how wonderful it really is.
Different beautiful colors every day.
Space is not just bright lights that glow for us to see.
It is a reminder, a reminder of our past,
what has happened.
And of our future,
what we’ll do next.
In Division II (6–9), sixth grader Ida Darbonne was honored for her poem The Water is Never the Same, a thoughtful meditation on change, memory, and connection to place. Ida’s writing captures the movement and rhythm of the natural world while reflecting on the ways experiences shape us over time.
Salmonberries plucked
off a bush cradled by the river,
gone by the afternoon,
never to return.
Downstream two deer,
a fawn and a doe, cautiously lower
their tiny hooves to test the water.
The water sways
in a gentle motion,
back and forth,
a return,
thrashing against the rocks,
circling over and over again.
In the distance, smoke makes tiny rings in the air
as the sun hits the water
revealing every little rock
covered in moss, pushed
by the current.
Leaves fall in gentle shades of amber,
dark red, and yellow,
transforming the sandy banks into autumn.
Here, merging with the river, I know,
I will never be the same.
We are also thrilled to celebrate recent Marylhurst graduate Noelle Swing (Class of 2025), who received recognition in Division II for her poem I’m Sure. Noelle’s work explores identity, longing, and emotional complexity with remarkable honesty and maturity.
I'm homesick for a person.
for you,
and you,
and you all,
and that group,
and your talent,
and places where I don't belong anymore,
and groups I don't even respect.
Friendships I haven't touched in years,
people that hurt me.
Bad experiences,
just to be relatable,
just to fit in.
Homesick for someone to be kind to me,
just for someone to care.
Homesick for something I'm scared of.
Homesick for someone I don't even know.
For things I have no interest in.
Homesick to be this,
and that.
And to feel this,
And to seem that.
And now I don't even know anymore.
Is this love for him as a person,
from all the things I've seen?
From his passion,
his humor,
his kindness?
Creative writing encourages students to take intellectual and emotional risks, helping them grow in confidence and develop a stronger sense of voice. Through poetry, students learn to share their perspective with others. We are incredibly proud of Hazel, Ida, and Noelle for sharing their work and representing The Marylhurst School community so beautifully.
