Tiếng nói & Người sáng tạo is a platform for Summer Search’s community to share perspectives, creations, talents, and more.

Today, we’re proud to spotlight our three 2023/24 winners: Elisha Torres, Katie Howe, and Rachelle Pierre!!!

Explore Elisha’s, Katie’s, and Rachelle’s creative works and stories below and read about what they’ve been up to in this last year.

Elisha Torres

@artby.elisha | KẾT NỐI

Ê-li-sê (They/She) is an artist and Summer Search Boston student. She shared her incredible illustrations in an art portfolio which she titled “What is Consciousness & Existence?”

Life Update: Elisha reflected on being selected as a Voices & Creators winner and what she has been up to:

I am deeply honored to receive this award, as it represents the importance of dedication and curiosity in creating.

Recently, I collaborated on two murals and continued developing my independent pieces. Art has always been, and will continue to be, my top priority, which is why I will be attending Boston University to further my artistic career.

Art exists everywhere, even in the most unexpected places. This belief has become a central part of my creative purpose: to highlight the unexpected art found in the cracks of life.

Katie Howe

girlinscarfwithcoffee.wordpress.com | KẾT NỐI

Katie (They/She) is a writer, teacher, and Boston alumna. She shared “Thư gửi đôi ủng của tôi,” a creative and emotional reflection on her personal journey exploring the outdoors with her Summer Search hiking boots, which she received in 2014 for her first summer experience.

Life Update:

I spent the summer working at Back Cove Books as a bookseller in Portland, Maine and gearing up for my third year of teaching starting this September. I teach at an alternative high school in Lewiston, ME where I teach environmental science to grades 9-12. This upcoming school year will be my first time in a new position as a special education teacher in Lewiston. I am also recently engaged and have been preparing for my engagement party, and spending time with my very first nephew born this past June. 

Being a winner of the Voices and Creators award gives me a huge sense of pride and gratitude, both in myself, and in the love, support, and community Summer Search has offered me throughout my life since my first involvement as a high school sophomore in 2014.

Summer Search has been a consistent and positive part of my life these past ten years in ways I will never be able to fully express my sincerest love and appreciation for. I first wrote the Letter to my Boots after a time in my life where I felt lost and unprepared to go out into the world as my fullest self. Being accepted to participate in a 50-day educators course as a Summer Search alum, I felt grounded in my values, abilities, and hopes for myself which provided me the tools and confidence to move to Maine, begin my teaching certification, and build a community which I hold close to my heart. 

I have gained a newfound confidence in sharing my voice and myself with others through my experiences in both my personal and professional lives. Now, at 26, I have found using my voice not only offers compassion and respect to myself, but also is important to model for the students I teach daily, in an ever-changing world where we need young voices to advocate for our futures.

I use my voice to make a more inclusive world for my nieces and nephews to grow up in, and I share my voice and stories to open mindsets across ages as a way to build communities of tolerance, resistance, care, unity, and respect for family, friends, peers, co-workers, classmates, and strangers alike. 

Rachelle Pierre

@_rachelleeeeee | LinkedIn | KẾT NỐI

Rachelle (She/Her) is a Summer Search Boston alumna and Alumni Board member. She opened up and shared about her remarkable life story as a beacon of community, culture, and change in her 2023 appearance on our #3Q với Alex J. Instagram Live show and in a #SummerSearcherMade feature on our blog.

Life Update:

Lately, I’ve been juggling a bit of everything! I’ve been training at the gym and participating in competitions and races, keeping my energy high for the day ahead. Plus, my love for all sports, especially basketball, keeps me on my toes—I’ve got a mean jumper!

Between training and getting lost in my latest book obsession, it’s been a fun whirlwind! On the creative side, I’m exploring different projects that let my imagination run wild—always on the lookout for new ways to express myself. A fun project I’ve been working on is soon to come!

My involvement in church ministry has been incredibly rewarding, bringing inspiration and a wonderful sense of community. Nothing like a great sermon and some uplifting laughter to recharge the spirit!

I also love hosting and participating in game nights—there’s nothing like a little friendly competition! Plus, I’ve been traveling and exploring new places, meeting interesting people along the way. Making connections and discovering new cultures keeps life exciting! #HeyNewFriends

Winning the Voices & Creators award means so much to me—it represents recognition of my journey and the impact I hope to have in my community.

Being part of Summer Search Boston has been life-changing; it’s an organization that empowers young people to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Leading as an alumni board chair and member has allowed me to give back and help shape the next generation, fostering growth and opportunity in our community.

As an educated Black woman, having a voice in today’s society is crucial, especially in spaces that have historically overlooked or marginalized our experiences. This award amplifies my commitment to advocate for change and uplift those who feel unheard. It’s a reminder that our stories matter and can inspire others to stand up and speak out. Winning this award not only validates my efforts but also motivates me to continue pushing for representation and inclusivity in all areas of life.

Creating and sharing my voice isn’t just a passion; it’s my heartbeat! It brings me peace, joy, and a whole lot of honor. When I dive into my creativity, it’s like stepping into a realm where imagination knows no limits. I explore ideas, spill out emotions, and connect in ways that resonate with the soul.

As a proud Haitian woman, I carry the rich tapestry of my culture and the stories of my ancestors who fought for freedom and expression. I see it as my mission to amplify those voices that often go unheard, to be that fierce echo of change in a world that sometimes forgets to listen. By stepping into this role, I can help spark conversations that truly matter and advocate for the shifts we all need and demand (overdue in that department).

Every piece I create is not just for me; it’s a bridge to connect with my community. I believe that when I share my journey, my ups and downs, I’m hoping I’m lighting the way for others to find their voices and speak their truth. Ultimately, I create to build a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone feels valued, seen, and celebrated.

Homework for us all, let’s lift each other up because if you didn’t know, we can do more together than we can ever do apart.

[MIC DROP!]

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