DENVER, July 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The poem “The American Spirit” by 93-year-old Brookdale Tamarac Square resident Hank Jaeckal has been selected as the grand champion of Brookdale’s Second Annual National Poetry Challenge. Over 103 poems from Brookdale communities across the country were entered into the contest.
He participated in last year’s competition and likes to write poetry, he writes poetry and short stories as a hobby. Friends and family often receive her poems in birthday cards.
Hank Jaeckal, a 93-year-old Brookdale Tamarac Square resident, has been selected as grand champion of Brookdale’s second annual National Poetry Contest.
The poetry contest was launched in 2020 to celebrate and recognize the creative expressions and talents of Brookdale residents across the country. For 2021, the Company chose the theme, The American Spirit, and encouraged writers to reflect on what it means to be American in their poetry. Poets could capture reflections on the spirit of America, what America is and where it has been and/or where it is going.
The poems were reviewed by members of Brookdale’s Resident Engagement Team and then submitted for final judging to company executives.
“Poetry is a powerful expression of language and feelings,” said Charles Richardson, Senior Director of Residency Programs. “We wanted to focus our residents’ creative thoughts on one theme this year. We know they have seen and felt so much, and we are honored to be able to read their thoughts on what is, was and what she could be America.”
The American Spirit
America is an experiment.
Our founding fathers knew it.
We keep making changes for the better,
But sometimes we fall flat.
Too many people live in poverty.
Too many people are killed by guns.
Too many people breathe polluted air.
Some throw trash where the water is flowing.
Yet we can be grateful,
We don’t have cruel dictators.
But, we have pretty birds and bees,
which serve as pollinators.
We can vote for our leaders
Of country, state and nation.
We must do it wisely –
It is our moral obligation.
It’s quite easy to get discouraged,
Due to issues such as pollution,
Or climate change and corruption,
But hard work can find the solution.
Think of all the advantages of America.
There are schools where we can learn.
There are hospitals to care for the sick,
And there are jobs for the money we can earn.
There are parks filled with the beauty of nature.
And roads to take us there.
The potential is definitely there.
Look around – it’s everywhere.
So America is beautiful
With clouds and a spacious sky.
America is where I want to be.
This is where the future lies.
About Brookdale
Brookdale Senior Living Inc., the nation’s leading operator of senior living facilities, is committed to fulfilling its mission to enrich the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity. The company operates independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care communities and, through its comprehensive network of services, Brookdale helps provide seniors with care and services to support their lifestyle in an environment that feels like home. The company’s expertise in healthcare, hospitality and real estate provides our residents with opportunities to improve their well-being, pursue their passions and stay connected with friends and loved ones. The Company operates and manages 695 communities in 42 states across March 31, 2021, with the capacity to serve approximately 60,000 residents and 16,000 patients. For more Brookdale news, visit brookdalenews.com
Contact: Media Relations, 615-564-8666, [email protected]
SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living
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