Memphis, TN – On May 8, the Cossitt Library hosted the winners of the Tom Lee poetry contest organized by the Memphis River Parks Partnership. Among the honorees was Central High School Junior Jericka S., who earned second place for her powerful and deeply personal poem, “2:40am.”

A resident of the Midtown and South Memphis area, Jericka reflected on the close-knit neighborhood that shaped her upbringing. “We always had community with us,” she said.

Jericka was already familiar with Tom Lee’s heroic legacy – thanks in part to her older sister, who worked in Downtown Memphis. Inspired by Lee’s bravery, Jericka channeled her own story into verse, using poetry as a means to process personal grief and resilience.

Naturally introverted, Jericka faced significant loss when her older sister, whom she described as a “mother figure,” passed away. An adverse childhood experience pushed her to express her grief in an extraverted way – cutting and dyeing her hair. That transformation is captured in her poem through the repetitive line: “I chop, I dye, I pierce, I mark.”

Despite not considering herself a writer, Jericka was encouraged to enter the contest by her AP Language and Literature teacher, Rosalind Guy. 

“As an English teacher, I teach my students how important it is to find their voice,” said Guy. “Writing is about more than completing an assignment; it’s a way to communicate. And their stories are important and deserve to be heard. So, I’m glad she took the skills I’ve taught her and used it to communicate her message. And won! I’m so proud of her.”

Encouraged by Ms. Guy and her friends, Jericka found the confidence to express herself authentically. “It’s cool that I was the only winner from a public school,” she said. “I noticed the other winners were from private schools, so that felt special.”

With English as her favorite subject, Jericka has a particular passion for poetry. She cites Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky as her favorite author, drawn to his unique style and introspective themes. “There’s something in the way he phrases things; it really resonates with me,” she explained.

To fellow students who struggle with self-expression, Jericka offers this advice: “Just do it. Don’t think of what other people would say about your writing. Be confident in yourself.” 

Her class read a variety of nonfiction books, a departure from her usual preference for fiction. One standout was Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. “Even though it wasn’t a shocking read, I couldn’t believe people thought that way,” she said, referring to the book’s exploration of systemic injustice and the death’s penalty disproportionate impact on African-American men.

Outside the classroom, Jericka enjoys playing softball and drawing cartoons. Looking ahead, she hopes to study journalism and psychology at either Austin Peay State University or the University of Texas at Austin.

Jericka’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of self-expression and the transformative power of storytelling. Her voice – and her victory – remind us that greatness grows at Memphis-Shelby County Schools!

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