Alex Finds a Voice

I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had

Alex’s poetry gives language and recognition to a life marked by bereavement, while Danza’s support opens opportunities without guaranteeing stability.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Quiet Introduction A Quiet Introduction from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Quiet Introduction A student at the wall Alex studies the poetry posters in Danza’s classroom before introducing himself.

A Quiet Introduction from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Quiet Introduction A student at the wall Alex studies the poetry posters in Danza’s classroom before introducing himself.

A Quiet Introduction A student at the wall Alex studies the poetry posters in Danza’s classroom before introducing himself. He says that he writes about his father, who died in a car accident. Another loss disclosed Alex reveals that his mother was stabbed to death. Danza responds with a hug and learns that Alex and his sister live in foster care with a relative.

A Binder of Poems A Binder of Poems from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Binder of Poems Writing as testimony Alex brings Danza a binder of poems about bullying, grief, suicide, and helplessness.

A Binder of Poems from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Binder of Poems Writing as testimony Alex brings Danza a binder of poems about bullying, grief, suicide, and helplessness.

A Binder of Poems Writing as testimony Alex brings Danza a binder of poems about bullying, grief, suicide, and helplessness. The writing is prolific and thoughtful, ending in an assertion of poetry as part of his identity. Encouragement to perform Danza urges him to compete in poetry slams and helps him practice delivery. Alex’s talent gives him an identity beyond the losses that have shaped his life.

The Earth Day Reading The Earth Day Reading from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Earth Day Reading A request to speak Alex asks whether he can recite his environmental poem over the school intercom.

The Earth Day Reading from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". The Earth Day Reading A request to speak Alex asks whether he can recite his environmental poem over the school intercom.

The Earth Day Reading A request to speak Alex asks whether he can recite his environmental poem over the school intercom. Danza expects resistance but helps him ask Ms. DeNaples. A public response The administrator allows Alex to make announcements and read the poem. Staff members praise him, and a girl he likes offers a hug after the broadcast.

A Wider Audience A Wider Audience from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Wider Audience Recognition grows Alex becomes known as a school poet and competes in a Philadelphia youth poetry event.

A Wider Audience from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A Wider Audience Recognition grows Alex becomes known as a school poet and competes in a Philadelphia youth poetry event.

A Wider Audience Recognition grows Alex becomes known as a school poet and competes in a Philadelphia youth poetry event. His writing supports local efforts to address litter and gives him a place in public life. Art as support Danza sees that poetry helps Alex remain connected to school. The arts are not an extra reward for him; they are a meaningful reason to keep attending.

A New Family, Then a Return A New Family, Then a Return from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A New Family, Then a Return A promising placement At summer camp, Alex forms a close friendship with another young poet, and that boy’s parents become his…

A New Family, Then a Return from "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had". A New Family, Then a Return A promising placement At summer camp, Alex forms a close friendship with another young poet, and that boy’s parents become his…

A New Family, Then a Return A promising placement At summer camp, Alex forms a close friendship with another young poet, and that boy’s parents become his foster family. He moves to a new home and school in Bucks County. Another disruption The friendship and household situation later deteriorate, and Alex returns to Philadelphia to live near Northeast High School. Danza remains an unofficial mentor, aware that support cannot control every placement.

A few days after the poetry contest

The next day

Earth Day, before morning announcements

Spring, after the intercom performance

After graduation and into the following year