Marshalltown Learning Academy is celebrating one of its students for a remarkable achievement in creative writing. Jayden Catron, a 12th grader at MLA, has been selected for publication in Excellence, a new poetry anthology from The America Library of Poetry.
Catron’s poem, “Solitude and Love,” was chosen from thousands of entries submitted nationwide to The America Library of Poetry’s 2025 Student Poetry Contest. Less than 20 percent of submissions are selected for publication, making this accomplishment especially noteworthy.
“I want to thank my teachers here at MLA and to the person that inspired me to write the poem,” said Catron.
The contest, which spans several rounds of grading throughout the summer, will announce its winners on September 30.
Marshalltown Learning Academy Lead Administrator Jordyn Terry expressed pride in the accomplishment, noting how it reflects the power of creativity in student learning.
“We are incredibly proud of Jayden for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Marshalltown Learning Academy Lead Administrator Jordyn Terry. “To have his poem selected from thousands of entries nationwide is a testament not only to his talent, but also to the dedication and creativity he brings to his learning each day. This recognition highlights the power of student voice and the amazing potential our students have to inspire others through their work.”
For more information about The America Library of Poetry and its annual contest, visit www.libraryofpoetry.com