Gorman, who performed her poetry at President Joe Biden’s inauguration last month, was back Sunday night. This time, however, the youth poet laureate honored educator Trimaine Davis, ICU nurse manager Suzie Dorner, and veteran James Martin – all named “Honorary Captains” ahead of the competition for their leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For their actions and impact
A time of uncertainty and need.
They have taken charge
Exceed all expectations and limitations,
Uplift their communities and neighbors
As leaders, healers and educators.
James has felt the wounds of warfare,
But this warrior still shares
His home with children at risk.
During Covid he even helped a hand
Live football for family and fans.
Trimaine is an educator who works non-stop,
Providing his community with hotspots,
Laptops and technical workshops,
So his students have all the tools
They must succeed in life and in school.
Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa hospital.
Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy hope is possible.
She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic
And fight to save other lives in the ICU battle area,
Define the heroes on the front lines who risk their lives for ours.
Let’s walk with these warriors
Carry on with these champions,
And carry out the call of our captains!
We celebrate them by acting
With courage and compassion,
By doing what is right and right.
While we honor them today,
They are the ones who honor us every day.