Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Annabelle Wilson, a sixth-grader from St. Patrick School in McCook, has been chosen for the prestigious Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project for the academic year 2023-2024. Her poem, “My Home,” stood out among 102 submissions from K-12 students across 12 counties in Nebraska and Iowa.

“We were so excited to read Annie’s work as was composer Sidney Marquez Boquiren, who selected it to be included in this year’s concert, and is now hard at work crafting the music that will accompany the words,” expressed Pat McEvoy, engagement assistant at Opera Omaha.

Wilson’s English teacher, Shaelin Stiver, emphasized Wilson’s dedication to her craft, echoing the excitement for her selection. Reflecting on her creative process, Wilson shared her journey, saying, “I asked my classmates to help brainstorm single words that could be a theme for a poem… Someone shouted out ‘home’ and from there I just started writing about the feelings of home.”

As part of the project, Wilson will participate in a virtual music workshop with composer Boquiren and other musicians, ensuring her vision is captured in the final performance. Wilson expressed her anticipation for the collaboration, stating, “I have no idea what it will sound like, but I’m excited to work with the composer and hear how it turns out.”

Wilson’s poem, once set to music, will debut at The Poetry & Music Project Concert on Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m. at the Omaha Conservatory of Music. The concert, free to the public and live-streamed, promises to showcase the talent and creativity of young poets like Wilson.

Sr. Mary Gabriel, C.K., curriculum and teacher formator for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, commended Wilson and her school for the honor, highlighting the significance of poetry. “Poetry is the music of the soul… poetry can open the mind and heart to God who reaches us through the transcendentals of truth, goodness, beauty, and unity.”

The Poetry & Music Project book will include all submitted poems, distributed to poets, teachers, concert attendees, and available online, ensuring that these young voices continue to resonate within the community. The project’s book is also part of the Omaha Public Library’s Zine collection, further amplifying the impact of these young poets' work.