Kay R. Pace Elementary School of the Arts student Jada Johnson impressed the audience with her poetic skills at the swearing-in ceremony of Jonesboro Mayor Joy B. Day on January 4, 2024.
Jada Johnson: A Rising Poet
Jada Johnson is a fifth-grader at Kay R. Pace Elementary School of the Arts, a public school in Jonesboro, Georgia, that integrates the arts into the curriculum. Jada has been writing poems since she was in kindergarten, and has won several awards for her work. She is also a member of the school’s poetry club and drama team.
Jada said she was honored to be invited to perform at the mayor’s swearing-in ceremony, and that she wanted to write a poem that would inspire the people of Jonesboro. She said she spent two weeks working on her poem, titled “A New Day”, with the help of her teacher and mentor, Ms. Smith.
“A New Day”: A Poem for Jonesboro
Jada’s poem, “A New Day”, was a tribute to the mayor and the city of Jonesboro. She praised the mayor’s vision, leadership, and dedication to the community, and expressed her hope for a bright future for the city. She also thanked the mayor for her support of the arts and education, and for being a role model for young girls like her.
Jada recited her poem with confidence and enthusiasm, and received a standing ovation from the audience, which included the mayor, the city council, the school board, and other dignitaries. The mayor was moved by Jada’s poem, and hugged her after her performance. She said she was proud of Jada, and that she was a talent and a treasure for the city.
Kay R. Pace Elementary School of the Arts: A School of Excellence
Kay R. Pace Elementary School of the Arts is a school of excellence in Clayton County Public Schools. The school serves students from kindergarten to fifth grade, and offers a variety of fine arts programs, such as music, theater, dance, and visual arts. The school also has a high academic performance, with 27% of students scoring at or above the proficient level for math, and 37% scoring at or above that level for reading, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
The school’s principal, Dr. Buddy, said he was thrilled to see Jada perform at the mayor’s swearing-in ceremony, and that he was grateful for the opportunity to showcase the school’s achievements. He said he was committed to providing a foundation of knowledge for a successful lifetime of learning, through the integration of the arts.
