Finding your voice

Middle School 8th grader Adrianna Bastardi has a way with words. Recently, she authored a poem, "My Name," which was published by the American Library of Poetry.

“While I am sort of a timid person, I like to use my writing as a venue to express myself," Adrianna said. "I also enjoy drawing and taking care of my six dogs. For example, I always need to pet Jackson first as he is the most demanding!”

When asked about the meaning of her poem “My Name,” Adrianna described how this is a poem that explores the idea that there is often two or more sides to every story.

“I just feel like I have grown into liking the process of developing a story over time, thinking about it," she added, "and then turning it into something that people can visualize.”

Her teacher, Danielle Diglio, describes Adrianna as a creative and candid writer.

"Something I really appreciate about Adri’s writing is that it’s honest and brave," Diglio said. "Both of those attributes are exceptional to see developing in a Middle School student writer.”

It was in Diglio’s class that students studied the writing style of Sandra Cisneros’ "The House on Mango Street." This ultimately led to Adrianna’s poem, “My Name.”

“My poem actually came out of a class assignment," Adrianna said. "I was modeling it after the vignettes we had studied and explored in Mango Street."

Principal Georgianna Diopoulos said she was "so proud about how Adrianna has found her voice. Through her writing, one can learn that Adri has a lot to contribute to the world.”

And speaking of the world, Adri says she is inspired by songs, holidays or even television shows.

“But my favorite genre is fantasy and I am most inspired just by being outdoors and looking at what I see around me.”

“Superintendent’s Spotlight” features students who reach goals, achieve accomplishments, face challenges and/or are role models to their peers.