When Stella High Eagles' Voices Get Lit: Celebrating Our Poetry Contest Winners

Stella High Charter Academy recently welcomed an unforgettable surprise to campus. Get Lit, the Los Angeles-based literary nonprofit, arrived to announce the winners of the “If I Awaken in Los Angeles” poetry contest, the largest youth poetry contest in both Los Angeles and the nation. With nearly 400 submissions and $30,000 in prizes awarded, this was an exciting moment for our Eagles.

Stella High had 10 students place in the top tier out of nearly 400 submissions, and 7 students earned cash prizes, including two Grand Prize winners who each received $1,000. Students were recognized in the People’s Choice and Most Comments categories as well, standing out among thousands of young writers across the region. In a joyful surprise, their teacher, Bernadette McComish, also received a teacher prize for her own poem.

Bernadette McComish, who teaches high school Creative Writing and Theatre, shared how the contest took root in her classroom.

“Get Lit is a dynamic poetry curriculum that Christian Risquez brought into our classroom this year, which immediately sparked excitement and confidence in our students. They launched the If I Awaken in Los Angeles contest, inviting students to write original poems in response to their Grammy-nominated album, with over $30,000 in prizes for students and teachers. My students participated because it felt real! Real poetry, real artists, and a real chance for their voices to be heard beyond the classroom.”

For Bernadette, engaging students in poetry starts with honoring who they are.

“I engage students by honoring their lived experiences and introducing them to contemporary, often local poets who feel accessible and relevant. While students study traditional poets in their ELA classes, Creative Writing allows space to explore voices that sound like their own. I often share Get Lit’s idea that a poem is a classic not because it’s old, but because it’s good. When students are given permission to write honestly, without limits on how they connect, they begin to see poetry as a powerful way to express emotion, identity, and truth.”

One of Stella High’s winners, Vonne Brider, reflected on what the recognition means:

"Being selected means so much to me because I've been writing poetry since I was six. I honestly didn't think I'd be chosen, and to be selected by Aloe Blacc feels incredible for me and my family," said student poet Vonne Brider. "I wrote my poem for Compton, and it brought back memories of how powerful this city is and how much it shaped me. Coming back to my old neighborhood and attending Stella High Charter Academy helped me reconnect with my voice and my confidence. I don't hide who I am anymore. I'm open, expressive, and I fight for what I believe in, and this contest reminded me that my voice deserves to be heard."

For Bernadette, the impact goes beyond awards.

“These prizes mean everything. Many students came in doubting themselves and questioning whether their voices mattered. After the challenges of the past few years, that kind of self-doubt is incredibly common. Seeing 10 of our students place in the top 28 out of nearly 400 submissions was life-changing, and having 7 students win cash prizes reinforced something even bigger: their words have value. For our students, this was proof that their stories deserve space, attention, and celebration, and it’s a moment of immense pride for our entire school community.”

Grand Prize Winners — $1,000 Award
• Daniela Lagos
• Vonne Brider

People’s Choice Award Winners — $50 + Certificate
• Chastlyne Cristales
• Fernando Santiago
• Javier Roman
• Omar Diaz

Most Comments Award — $50
• Christian Lomeli

At Bright Star Schools, we believe student voice matters. We believe in integridad, showing up as our full selves and speaking our truth with courage and care. The arts are not an extra. They are a powerful vehicle for identity, confidence, and expression.

We express our deepest gratitude to Stella High Charter Academy’s Community School Manager, Christian Risquez, for working tirelessly to bring these opportunities to our scholars.

Congratulations to our Stella High Eagles and to their inspiring teacher, Bernadette McComish! Your words are lighting the way!

Visit here for more information on the Get Lit poetry contest.

Bernadette McComish Teacher Stella High Charter Academy