The Wormtown Herald applauds the stellar achievements of Joss Bracero, a senior English major at Worcester State, who clinched the prestigious Elizabeth Bishop Manuscript Prize.
Sunday, April 23, 2024, was an exhilarating day for poetry enthusiasts as Bracero stepped onto the stage at the annual Bishop/Knight Poetry Contest. Organized by the Worcester County Poetry Association, this prestigious event gathers students from local universities, including Anna Maria, Assumption, Clark, Holy Cross, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, WSU, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, uniting them in a celebration of verse and creativity.
What sets this year’s contest apart is the distinguished panel of judges. Matthew Henry and Tarique Cooper, esteemed figures in the poetry world, were tasked with evaluating the participants’ works, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event. Their expertise provided invaluable feedback to the aspiring poets and enriched the overall experience for all involved.
This latest accolade adds another illustrious chapter to Bracero’s already impressive literary journey. He has previously graced the pages of The New Worcester Spy, the Herald’s predecessor, and earned the esteemed Barbara Pilon Poetry Prize from the English department. The Elizabeth Bishop Manuscript Prize serves as a testament to Bracero’s dedication, skill, and unwavering passion for the craft.
As we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Joss Bracero, we also pay tribute to the enduring power of poetry to transcend boundaries, touch hearts and spark change. Their success is not merely a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of art to inspire and unite us all. To see some of Bracero’s work, click here or here.
