Writers in the Schools (WITS)

From the entire WITS team, we want to send a sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible year! Your support, creativity, and passion have helped us grow in ways we couldn't have imagined, and we’re so grateful for every moment we've shared together.

Looking back, we’re reminded of the all of the events we've organized, from the WITS Luncheon in April, a celebration of our community, to the Writers Meeting at the start of the fall—both moments that highlighted the strength and unity of our WITS family. We’ve grown, we’ve connected, and we’ve made a lasting impact together.

2024 has been a year to remember, and we can't wait to keep the momentum going in 2025. Here's to more stories, more growth, and more unforgettable moments ahead! 🙌

Continuing our 2024 WITS Wrapped series, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of the 2023-2024 Houston Youth Poet Laureate, Elizabeth Hsu. Her tenure as HYPL was nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re so grateful for the powerful poetry and leadership she shared with our community. Elizabeth's voice has truly made a mark on Houston, and we’re excited to see where her words will take her next.

The recent HYPL Commencement Ceremony was a testament to the amazing talent and spirit of our youth poets, and we’re so proud to have witnessed both Elizabeth’s journey and Lucas Fang’s inauguration as the new Youth Poet Laureate.

A huge thank you to the entire WITS team for their hard work in making the ceremony such a memorable event, and to our community for your continued support. Together, we’re creating space for the next generation of voices to rise and thrive. 🙌

As part of our 2024 WITS Wrapped series, we’re reflecting on one of the year’s most inspiring moments: the Houston Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony. It was an unforgettable evening, filled with powerful words and a deep sense of pride as Lucas Fang was inaugurated as the 2024-2025 Houston Youth Poet Laureate!

The ceremony was a true celebration of youth talent and creativity, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what Lucas will accomplish over the course of his term. His passion for poetry and dedication to making an impact are truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to watch his journey unfold.

Here’s to you, Lucas—congratulations once again! We can’t wait to see how you continue to shape the future with your words. 🙌

As we keep the 2024 WITS Wrapped series going, we’re reflecting on the amazing work happening across all our programs this year. From the inspiring voices and creativity of our students, we feel so lucky to serve such a vibrant community of writers and artists. Every workshop, every class, every moment has been a testament to the power of storytelling and connection.

Speaking of programs, mark your calendars for our next Free Verse workshop on January 17th at the Luckie School House. Plus, our 2025 WITS Winter Intensive kicks off on January 2nd! You can sign up now via the link in our bio. Here’s to more growth, creativity, and stories that inspire. 🙌

As we say goodbye to 2024, we're kicking off 2024 WITS Wrapped—a series where we look back on the unforgettable moments that made this year truly special. We’re so thankful for all the incredible milestones and the community that made them possible.

First up: the MetaForward Event, where we celebrated Meta4’s Brave New Voices win! It was an unforgettable moment, and a perfect way to start the year. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Here's to even more incredible memories ahead! 🙌

⏳ 1 week until the Winter Intensive kicks off! 🎉

📅 Jan 2–4 | 9 AM – 3 PM
🖋️ Three amazing instructors, three exciting topics: Poetry, Fiction, & Performance!
✨ For 14–16-year-olds ready to level up their writing skills!
🎨 Fun, inspiring, and creative — don’t miss out!

Secure your spot now before it’s too late! 🔗 Register at witshouston.org/winter

🎉 Meet the Writer Mondays! 🎉

It’s the final week of our Meet the Writer Mondays series, and today, we’re excited to introduce Fariha Tayyab, who will be teaching Performance on January 4th! 🖋️🎤

Fariha is an experienced educator and multidisciplinary artist and storyteller whose work has been published in Columbus Anthology, Matter News, The Eater, and more. She has facilitated workshops and performed her poetry at prestigious venues like the Columbus Museum of Art, Poetry Out Loud, and other national conferences. Fariha brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her craft, and her class will be an invaluable experience for young writers and performers!

Spots are limited, so be sure to secure your place before they fill up!

🔗 Register now at witshouston.org/winter or click the link in our bio!

🌳✨ Save the Date! ✨🌳

Join us for WITS’ Annual Benefit on April 17, 2025, at the iconic OUTPOST at POST Houston.

This year’s theme, The WITS Legacy Tree: Where Roots Connect, Stories Flourish, celebrates WITS' deep roots in fostering creativity and inspiring global change. 🌍💫

We’re honoring Tina Angelo, WITS' beloved Managing Director of Programs, as she nears her retirement after 12 years of incredible service. 🌟

Co-chairs Marcia & Michael Nichols and Shreya & Sunil Sheth will lead us on this unforgettable evening.

🌿 Stay tuned for more details. Proceeds will support WITS' mission to unlock the joy and power of storytelling and creative expression.

Last month, Lucas Fang was inaugurated as the 2024-2025 Houston Youth Poet Laureate! 🌟We’re still celebrating this incredible milestone and the powerful voice Lucas brings to our city. His poetry, rooted in themes of family, mental health, and migration, continues to inspire and connect communities across Houston.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to see Lucas develop new poetry projects that reflect his vision and passion for storytelling. Congratulations, Lucas—your journey as Houston Youth Poet Laureate is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish! 💫

🎉Meet the Writer Mondays! 🎉

It’s the second week of our series leading up to the Winter Intensive in January, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Fernando Villagómez, who will be teaching Fiction on January 3rd! 🖋️

Fernando's writing has been published in Texas Monthly, American Short Fiction, and The Cincinnati Review, among others. His work has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize! He’s an exceptional writer and mentor, and his class is a fantastic opportunity for young writers looking to hone their craft.

Spots for the Winter Intensive are limited, so don’t wait — register today to reserve your place!

🔗 Register now at witshouston.org/winter or click the link in our bio!

⏰ Just 3 weeks until the Winter Intensive! 🎉

📅 Jan 2–4 | 9 AM – 3 PM
✨ For 14–16-year-olds
🖋️ Develop your writing skills with incredible mentors in Poetry, Fiction, & Performance!
🌟 Fun, creative, and inspiring — a perfect way to kickstart your 2024!

Spots are filling up fast! 🔗 Register at witshouston.org/winter or click the link in our bio!

🎉 Introducing: Meet the Writer Mondays! 🎉

Every Monday leading up to our Winter Intensive in January, we’ll introduce the incredible writers teaching at WITS!

This week, we’re excited to introduce Bo Hee Moon, who will be teaching Poetry on January 2nd, the first day of the intensive. 🖋️

Bo Hee has received the Inprint Brown Foundation Fellowship and has had her work published in AGNI, Poetry, The Margins, and more. She's an amazing poet and mentor — don’t miss the chance to learn from her!

This is a great opportunity for young writers and poets to develop their craft. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up before they fill up!

🔗 Register now at witshouston.org/winter or click the link in our bio!

🚨 We have an announcement! 🚨

❄️ Our 2025 Winter Intensive is open for registration! It's a great opportunity for young writers to build their portfolios and develop their skills! ❄️

🗓 Dates: January 2nd - 4th, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 AM - 3 PM
📍 Location:
🎯 Age: 14-16 years old

🎓 Each day is a new adventure with a different instructor & topic!

✍️ January 2: Poetry
📚 January 3: Fiction
🎭 January 4: Performance

👀 Spaces are limited, so don't miss out!
✨ Kick off the new year with creativity, learning, and fun!
We hope to see you there!

🚨 Tomorrow! 🚨

Don’t miss the Free Verse Slam Series Preview Workshop!
📅 When: December 6th | 6-8 PM
📍 Where:

✨ What to Expect:
Open mic for poets, singers, songwriters, & spoken word artists (ages 13-19)
Work with a pro writer to explore creativity
💥 Be there tomorrow! 💖