Layla Hurd, Plummer Middle School eighth-grader, wins Día de los Muertos Poetry Contest

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Photo from Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia’s visit to Plummer Middle School to honor Dia de los Muertos Poem Competition winner Layla Hurd, who read her winning poem, “Dance of Spirits,” in the school’s library on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.

Creativity, culture and student voice took center stage on Monday, Dec. 8, at Plummer Middle School, where eighth-grade student Layla Hurd was recognized as the winner of the Día de los Muertos Poetry Contest.

Layla earned first place for her original poem, “Dance of Spirits,” an evocative piece that celebrates tradition, memory and cultural identity through poetry.

A special presentation ceremony was held at 2 p.m. in the Plummer Middle School library, where U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia visited the campus to personally congratulate Layla and present her award in front of students, staff and family members. The visit highlighted the importance of honoring student creativity while celebrating cultural traditions within the school community.

Following the visit, Rep. Garcia emphasized the significance of initiatives like this one, noting how meaningful it is to see students use their voices to honor heritage and shared history.

In a statement shared on social media, Garcia said, “It’s so important to see our traditions carried on, celebrated and shared throughout the community.”

Layla is a student in Ms. Witherspoon’s English Language Arts class, and her achievement reflects not only her literary talent, but also Plummer Middle School’s commitment to nurturing student voice, creativity and a love of writing.

Aldine ISD congratulates Layla Hurd on this accomplishment and applauds Plummer Middle School for continuing to uplift student expression, cultural pride and academic excellence.