Fortis Academy student Jerry Garza was recently invited to share his poem, “What Love Means to a Chicano,” at a local restaurant in front of a live audience.

The piece, which explores love, emotion and Garza’s struggle with addiction, marked the beginning of the school’s partnership with Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say. Through the collaboration, students will use writing to reflect on their journey to sobriety, and several have been invited throughout the year to perform their work publicly. The initiative not only builds student confidence but also helps break down stigmas surrounding teen addiction and recovery.