On the recordDecember 18, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Gao from Champaign-Urbana on being selected as one of five National Student Poets. The National Student Poet Program is one of our Nation's highest honors for youth poets presenting original work. It is an incredible accomplishment that reflects Robert's talent, artistry, and the power of his work to inspire others. Robert says that his writing is influenced by his family and exploring his identity. He described that he fell in love with poetry because it allowed him to put his soul onto paper in a way that nonfiction writing couldn't. Previously, Robert has been recognized by The New York Times, the National Young Artist Foundation, and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. We are all so proud of Robert and cannot wait to see him continue to grow as an author and an artist. ____________________
