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Academics
Middle School
Poet In Residence
Poet in Residence
Dariana D. Guerrero
April 1-4
Dariana D. Guerrero, a celebrated writer, activist, and educator from Lawrence, MA, embarked on her career by teaching high school English at Phillips Academy Andover and Noble and Greenough School. In the classroom, she fervently championed the voices of women of color and other marginalized writers. As a queer mestiza Latina, Dariana sees her identity as both a resource and catalyst for expanding, deepening, and challenging the traditional canon of English literature. Dariana's impactful contributions extend beyond the classroom. Recognized as a 30 Under 30 Caribbean American leader by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in 2018, she has been a relentless advocate for activism in Lawrence. Her literary works, featured in esteemed publications such as Caustic Frolic Literary Journal, Exposed Brick Literary Magazine, Glass Poetry Journal, Voices and Visions, Women: A Cultural Review, and Witness Magazine, reflect her commitment to diverse and inclusive narratives.
In addition to her role as a board member for the national non-profit, The Body Positive, Dariana was named one of Amplify Latinx’s Amplifiers in 2022, further amplifying the voices of the Lawrence community. In 2023, she earned the title of Social Practice Artist in Residence in Lawrence, coupled with the prestigious 2023 Mass Poetry Community Award for outstanding poetry and community leadership.
Dariana's advocacy for body positivity and fat liberation garnered her recognition on the daytime television show, The Tamron Hall Show. She also served as a historical consultant on Bailey Sarian's podcast, "The Dark Side of History."
Recently completing her project, "The Sancocho Shuffle: A Card Deck Con Sabor," a dynamic remix of her poetry book titled "Sancocho," and with her debut poetry collection being a finalist for The Sexton Prize, Dariana continues to make waves in literary and activist communities. To explore more of Dariana's compelling work, visit her website at https://www.darianaguerrero.com or connect with her on Instagram @darianawrites.
Join us in the Jackson Library
Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
At the conclusion of the Poet in Residence week, Berwick invites all who are interested to attend a community poetry reading in the Jackson Library Hub. The event is open to the public and admission is free.
At the conclusion of the Poet in Residence week, Berwick invites all who are interested to attend a community poetry reading in the Jackson Library Hub. The event is open to the public and admission is free.
History
Established in 2011, by beloved Berwick Middle School English teacher, Mary Anker (now retired), the Poet in Residence program continues to thrive in our Middle School. Each visiting poet chooses to teach a specific aspect of the writing process and workshops with students on the art of crafting poetry. At the end of the week, the poet presents an evening reading in the Jackson Library that is open and free to the public. Berwick students and faculty share poetry of their own at this event. The poets who come to Berwick Academy bring their own cultural perspective, their expertise, and their desire to immerse themselves in teaching. Berwick Academy is a community of learners that values the diversity and complexity of our society and that is eager to widen our cultural understanding through the literary genre of poetry. The Middle School prides itself on its relationship with poetry. This program began locally with Kimberly Green, Poet Laureate of Portsmouth, and broadened its reach with Thomas Moore, Sophia Snow, Naomi Shihab Nye, Richard Blanco, Ellen Waterston, Willie Perdomo, Marjorie Thomsen, and Brian Evans-Jones. In 2023, we came full circle with Mary Anker, the founder of our Poet in Residence program as Poet in Residence, and we are excited to welcome Dariana D. Guerrero in 2024! All of our poets have added to the rich and varied cultures of both our school and the Seacoast.
Previous Poets in Residence
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For more information on the Poet in Residence at Berwick Academy, or to inquire about future Poet in Residence opportunities, please contact Ryan Feeley at rfeeley@berwickacademy.org.
Berwick Academy
31 Academy Street
South Berwick, Maine 03908
Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
South Berwick, Maine 03908
Contact:
Admission | 207.384.6300
Main Office | 207.384.2164
Berwick Academy, situated on an 80-acre campus just over one hour north of Boston, serves 520 students, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 and Postgraduates. Berwick students are from Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and several countries. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge, Berwick Academy empowers students to be creative and bold. Berwick strives to graduate alumni who shape their own learning, take risks, ask thoughtful questions, and come to understand and celebrate their authentic selves.
