Isaiah Wins Jane Block Prize for Environmental Teen Poetry

Isaiah and Ms. Jane C. Block

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holly Ewing holly.suso@gmail.com

LOCAL STUDENT ISAIAH SUSO RECEIVES HONORS FOR POETRY

Western Center Academy student receives Jane Block Prize for Environmental Teen Poetry

RIVERSIDE, CA - December 9, 2022 - When Isaiah was twelve, he proclaimed that he would be published before graduating high school. Afterward, he would go outside and play with the dudes. The book that he had been writing at the time didn't take the "creative direction" that he had intended, and so it was abandoned. But his passion for writing didn't die with this moth-balled masterpiece.

Today, Isaiah's prediction came true. His poem "Those Who Remain" will be published in a book called Teen Poet Laureate, 2022-23 Finalists. The book is the finished product of the second annual Riverside County Teen Poet Laureate Project.

During the event, Isaiah would be awarded the Jane Block Prize for Environmental Teen Poetry for his poems, including Eye of the Storm and The Solace of Dark Waters. Isaiah will be invited to read an annual gala hosted by Rivers and Lands Conservancy and other opportunities in collaboration with the Environmental Education Collaborative, two organizations with which Jane Block was deeply involved. Inlandia Institute and the Riverside County Office of Education are pleased to present this additional prize opportunity for teens engaging with nature and the environment through their original poetry. He also received recognition as a Distinguished finalist in the 2022-23 Teen Poet Laureate Competition for Riverside County.

Isaiah and Jane C. Block

The book is a limited run with two copies gifted to each poet. There will be 35 additional copies that will be available in libraries across Riverside County.

Last night's festivities included a beautiful reception at the Riverside City Hall Building in the Grier Pavilion. The outdoor catered event hosted the modest yet beautiful celebration of teen creativity. Six finalists for the Teen Poet Lauret read aloud against passing trains, helicopters, and music from the Festival of Lights celebration from below.

About Jane C. Block

Mrs. Jane Block personally congratulated Isaiah and praised him for his work. It was such an honor to meet a woman who is renowned for her contribution and philanthropy throughout Riverside County.

Ms. Block is well known in her community for her contributions to the environment, feminism, and children's services. The Inlandia Institute reports that "She is associated with the adoption of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, the preservation of the Santa Rosa Plateau, Box Springs Mountain Park, and Sycamore Canyon Park. She has served as President of the Riverside Land Conservancy and is a current board member. She is also a board member of the Endangered Habitats League, Cal State San Bernardino Water Resources Institute, the Riverside County Child Care Consortium, and the Family Services Association."