Janneke Parrish

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Janneke Parrish is the current poet laureate of Wayne County, North Carolina. She was elected poet laureate on April 4, 2006 and will remain poet laureate until that time in 2007.

[edit] Childhood

Parrish was born in rural Pennsylvania and was encouraged to read from an early age. She wrote her first poem (entitled "The Leaves") when she was 4 years old. Since that time, she has written poetry almost continuously. Her poetry has received numerous awards, including publication in several volumes of children's poetry.

[edit] Adolescence

When she was nine years old, Parrish moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. There, her poems grew darker and took on the air of desperation that they now possess. She also began experimenting with new forms of literature, such as short stories and dramas. In fourth grade, she was named "Author of the Year" for her grade level. Her works also began to published yearly in the Wayne Collection, a book of poetry and art that is published yearly. She gained acclaim as a poet throughout her elementary and middle school years.

[edit] Currently

Parrish is currently a sophomore at Rosewood High School where her poetry is still admired. In a yearly poetry competition, she has placed in the top three for the past two years. She has been asked to recite her poetry at local events, such as fundraisers for her high school.