Junior earns title as Iowa Poet Ambassador

Cedar Falls Junior Daniel Umemezie becomes the next Student Poet Ambassador for the state of Iowa.

This year, literary representatives from around the state of Iowa came together to select a new Iowa Poet Ambassador. Looking at a pool of gifted young writers, they selected junior Daniel Umemezie. Umemezie is the fifth student to have received this title, being inaugurated on April 25.

“My inauguration was an incredible experience. Visiting the law library at the state capitol was inspiring–being surrounded by all that history and knowledge made me appreciate the role of poetry in shaping culture and society.”

As a kid, Umemezie always enjoyed writing. During his time in middle school, he took the time to dedicate a poem to his friends for Children’s Day. Ever since then, he felt even more tied to his poetry and writing as a whole. Later he earned the silver key in Scholastics Writing Awards, helping highlight his submissions to the representatives for the ambassador position.

As the Student Poet Ambassador his main job is to promote poetry in schools around Iowa and in different events. Additionally, his new title gives him several benefits such as networking opportunities, workshops and chances to collaborate with other artists.

Although he isn’t planning on going into writing in the future he said he feels very honored to have obtained this title. “I was indeed surprised and honored to receive the title. It felt surreal to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about.” 

With supportive family and friends behind him, Umemezie plans to focus on some creative writing and poetry projects as he keeps looking towards the future.