Amanda Gorman, the country’s first national youth poet winner, made history again on Sunday by becoming the first person to recite a poem during a Super Bowl prelude.
Gorman, a 22-year-old Harvard graduate who became the youngest person to write a poem for a presidential inauguration last month, used Sunday’s stage at Raymond James Stadium to honor three honorary captains who the NFL for the game.
“Today we honor our three captains for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and distress,” Gorman began her poem.
“They have taken the lead and exceeded all expectations and constraints that elevate their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators.”
Gorman recognizes Trimaine Davis, a Los Angeles teacher, Suzie Dorner, a Tampa Bay nurse, and James Martin, a Marine veteran.
Davis made sure her students had internet access and laptops so they could continue during the pandemic.
Dorner, meanwhile, runs the COVID ICU at Tampa General Hospital, and Martin has helped veterinarians and their families stay virtually in touch with the Wounded Warrior Project.
“Let us walk with these warriors, go with these champions and carry out the call of our captains,” Gorman said in her poem.
“We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, by doing what is right and just,” she continued.
“For while we honor them today, it is they who honor us every day.”