Youth Honored in Art and Poetry Contest at Juvenile Hall

, the youth facility on Kiefer Boulevard, held its first art and poetry contest, “From the Heart,” on Valentine’s Day earlier this week.

More than 50 juveniles at the facility, males and females from the ages of 13 to 18 years old, submitted artwork or original poetry as part of the contest. All participation was voluntary.

“It was clear the contest generated a lot of interest,” said Michelle Pearson, probation assistant with Sacramento County. “Unfortunately we could not select them all, as each poem or piece of artwork was unique, expressed true talent and told a personal story.”

Pearson helps lead a number of programs and options for the youth at juvenile hall to participate in. She said that the center has many athletic, drawing and educational contests, but this was the first poetry and art contest aimed towards Valentine’s Day.

“The artistic ability demonstrated by the residents is not surprising to me,” Pearson said. “Many of our youth have talents beyond what may be expected.  Personal growth and reflection is encouraged during their stay at the Youth Detention Facility.  Many of these pieces are the self-expression of that reflection.

“Programming within YDF is designed to foster growth, creativity and encourage positive development of the residents. It is our hope these projects and programs will provide encouragement and instill a sense of confidence through positive artistic expression.  One of our goals is to help teach the young men and women how they can express their talents and abilities in a positive and constructive manner.”

The following are a selection of those pieces awarded:

See all art winners in the photo gallery above.
Ramos A. (First place art)
Elijah L. (Art and Poetry Double Winner)
Danisha H. (Third place art)
Spires D. (Third place art)
Melvin C. (Third place art)

Poetry winners
Together Forever (Art and Poetry Double Winner)
Although we’re not together physically at this time,
You’ll always be with me because you’re always on my mind,
I’m thinking of you and I know you’re thinking of me,
I guess that means we’re together mentally,
Soon you’ll be back in my arms and these chains will be a thing of the past,
We will be together forever and I promise to make forever last.
- Elijah L.

Pain is Love and Love is Pain (first place)
- Anonymous; did not wish to publish

Anything’s Possible (second place winner)
Anything’s possible when you put your mind to it,
You gotta have FAITH to successfully pursue it,
Don’t let anyone put you down and tell you,
You can’t do it. Have more HOPE and less doubt,
Because that will only lead you to a negative route.
You're only promised one life so live it to the fullest,
Live your life WISELY, and do nothing foolish.
It’s OK to make mistakes because it’s something we all do,
But try to break your mistake cycle and not let them continue.
Whenever you decide to change your old ways,
You’ll feel more confident to wake up to a new day.
Whatever you desire to do go for it,
Because in the long run you’ll have a lot to show for it.
Be all what you can be,
Because when you put your mind to it you can be whatever YOU want to be.
- Talisha H.

What Should I Do? (third place - tie)
What should I do?
Should I stop stealing?
Should I listen to the one above me?
Should I write my mom a letter
And tell her I love her?
Should I take back
All the things I’ve done wrong?
Well if I could, this is what I would do.
I would go to school
I would get a job
I would make somebody proud
I would be who I’m destined to be
A Man
I will make it to college
I will marry a beautiful young educated lady
I will raise a family with a legal job
I will be who you want me to be or,
I will be who I want to be,
That’s the answer.
- Pino D.

I Love Her (third place - tie)
I love her there is not many above her
When I am around her and see her face
I don’t want to be in another place
to cheat or lie to her would be a disgrace
she is my everything
when I see her I am going to hug her tight
she is my light that makes my life bright even when all I see is night
out of all the girls in the world she would be my first and last pick
even if she was poor or rich neither one would change my pick
I would care for her if she was sick
I tell this to the world this is no lie
if she ever was to leave me I would cry and simply want to die
she is my sun and moon and I will see her again soon
she is my hope that keeps me afloat in a storm
she would have my coat
if there was only one piece of food left regardless of my mood
she would have that last piece of food
like two doves deeply in love are flying high in the sky
I will love her till the day I die.
- Joshua C.