Anthony Hyland

Anthony Hyland, born and raised in North Philadelphia, is a young poet with very high aspirations, and no lack of ambition to make them happen. He recently graduated from Fitzsimmons High School as the class valedictorian, and received a full four-year academic scholarship to attend Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, where he intends to study Sociology.

Anthony attributes his focus on success to being able to use writing and poetry as a creative outlet. "I write because writing is my passion. Writing has always been my positive outlet to the burning anger that dwells within my soul. Whenever I felt myself slipping away from reality I grab my pencil and pad, then go to work."

That work has not gone unnoticed, as Anthony impressed city officials and community supporters in attendance at City Hall's first Youth Poetry Night on Monday, July 12, 2010, where he performed his poem "What is Education?", stirring the crowd to receive a boisterous ovation.

He has taken what he has learned from PYPM founder Greg Corbin and the other PYPM mentors, and transferred it into becoming a great role model for his two younger brothers. "[They] are my inspiration to write. I want them to know that there are creative ways to express your feelings without violence or suicide."

Anthony will continue on with his creativity and expression as he embarks on attaining the goals he has set for himself, which include obtaining a B.A in Sociology, an MSW in Social Work, a Ph.D in Psychology, a B.A in Youth Ministries, an M.Div. in Divinity, and a Ph.D in Theological Studies. With the drive and ambition Anthony has already demonstrated, he in on the right path to succeeding at anything he sets his mind to.

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