Amanda Gorman, the country’s first Nationally Awarded Young Poet, made history again on Sunday by becoming the first person to recite a poem during the ceremony before the Super Bowl game.
Gorman, a 22-year-old Harvard graduate who last month became the youngest person to write a poem for the presidential inauguration, used Sunday’s stage at Raymond James Stadium to honor three honorary NFL captains selected for the game.
“Today we pay tribute to our three captains, for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and need,” Gorman began his poem.
“They took the lead, overcoming all expectations and limitations, elevating their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators.”
Gorman recognized Trimaine Davis, a Los Angeles professor, Suzie Dorner, a Tampa Bay nurse, and James Martin, a Navy veteran.
Davis ensured that his students had access to the Internet and laptops so they could continue their studies during the pandemic.
Dorner, in turn, runs the ICU COVID at Tampa General Hospital, and Martin helped veterinarians and their families to maintain virtual contact with the Wounded Warrior Project.
“We are going to walk with these warriors, advance with these champions and carry on the call of our captains,” said Gorman in his poem.
“We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, doing what is right and just,” she continued.
“While we honor them today, they are the ones who honor us every day.”