Amanda Gorman, the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, made history again on Sunday by being the first to recite a poem at a Super Bowl pregame ceremony.
Gorman, a 22-year-old Harvard graduate who became the youngest person to write a poem for a presidential inauguration last month, used Sunday’s stage at Raymond James Stadium to honor three honorary captains selected by the NFL for the game. .
“Today we honor our three captains for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and distress,” Gorman began her poem.
“They have led the way, exceeding expectations and limitations, and elevating their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators.”
Gorman recognized Trimaine Davis, a Los Angeles teacher, Suzie Dorner, a Tampa Bay nurse, and James Martin, a Marine veteran.
Davis ensured that her students had Internet access and laptops so that they could continue their education during the pandemic.
Dorner, meanwhile, runs the COVID ICU at Tampa General Hospital, and Martin helped veterinarians and their families stay in virtual contact with the Wounded Warrior Project.
“Let’s walk with these warriors, move on with these champions, and continue the call of our captains,” Gorman said in her poem.
“We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, by doing what is right and just,” she continued.
“For as we honor them today, it is they who honor us every day.”