By Karen Zapf

Published: Thursday, February 22, 2007

Marshall Addison Jr.

Residence: Wilkinsburg

Age: 14

School: Marshall is an eighth-grader at Wilkinsburg Middle School.

Family: Mother, LaShawnda Wilson; father, Marshall Addison Sr.; sisters, Finesse Addison, 16; Taionnia Addison, 10; and RayNisha Addison, 1.2

Noteworthy: Marshall entered an online poetry contest sponsored by Creative Communication Inc. in Logan, Utah. Marshall's poem, "Dear Mama," was selected to be published in an anthology entitled "A Celebration of Young Poets." The anthology will be published later this year. Marshall said the poem is about how his mother struggled as a single parent. Marshall said the poem talks about how his mother went to school and worked two jobs to support the family.

Activities/interests: Marshall has been writing poetry since he was 8 years old. He also enjoys reading, drawing and hanging out with his friends.

Quote: "I am happy that people will see my poem and see what my mom went through."

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