MICHIGAN CITY – “Oh, cool” was Marquette Catholic High School English instructor Stacey Cassady’s reaction after she received word that three of her poems were selected to be included in Indiana's poetry archive.
The Indiana Arts Commission announced Cassady will be one of 57 Indiana poets to have their work included in INverse.
INverse celebrates and preserves a wide range of poetry by state writers for future generations. It is the result of a collaboration between former Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka, the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Arts Commission.
“I'm honored to represent LaPorte County and thrilled to be published at the same time,” said Cassady.
Cassady’s poems include – "Indiana's 'Morning in Autumn'" (2011), "Unfeted Festival Corners" (2011), and "Leaving Wheat World” (2012).
This is the first time Cassady has received accolades for her work, although she has had literary analyses published in a literary journal.
She credited fellow teacher Edwin Shelton for alerting her to the INverse. “I didn’t know about it until Edwin sent the link. If Edwin hadn’t sent the link, I wouldn’t have known about it,” said Cassady.
The Westville resident has been with Marquette's English department since December 2019. Prior working at Marquette, she was a professor at Valparaiso University.
Cassady briefly described each of her works, noting one is especially meaningful to her. “I’m attached to each in different ways. Since my biggest attachment is to my Lord, I would have to say Indiana’s “Morning in Autumn” (is my favorite).
She continued, “Indiana’s ‘Morning in Autumn’” is what you learn from watching God’s creation, what you learn about God watching the things He’s made. That’s close to my heart.”
“Leaving Wheat World” is Cassady's recollection of her childhood and the fun of playing in the family’s wheat field. “Unfeted Festival Corners” was, as she described, “a challenge to myself poetically.”
Cassady says writing is therapeutic, describing herself as a ‘pastoral poet’. She explained writing allows her to contemplate and meditate on creation, finding inspiration in it, which brings her focus back to God. “It’s all part of His plan. I don’t have to understand but it’s all for His glory, thank God.”
She admitted trying to find the right words at times is nearly impossible. “It’s like painting a landscape. You can never get the colors just right. You see a beautiful sunset but can never quite capture God’s handiwork. It’s never satisfactory. It’s always, almost,” said Cassady.
The gift of writing comes naturally for Cassady. She shared that her dad put together a book of his poems, many were inspired by her mom. She stated she’s been encouraging her husband to compile his works but hasn’t given much thought about her works. “Speaking of legacy, it might be something to do at some point. I’m sure the kids and grandkids would like that.”
Cassaday also credits her high school English teacher, which is her desire to pass on to her students. “Poetry and creative writing, in general, are storytelling. The longer I’m a teacher, the more I realize teaching is storytelling with a purpose. You take a life story and apply it to whatever literature we were reading.”
Determination and not being afraid to take a risk are two things Cassady tries to instill in her students. She sees in a day and age of airbrushing and perfection that students are afraid of being wrong. “I hope this will help encourage my students to write what they feel and not be afraid. That they could be published one day, too," Cassady said.
Principal Katie Collignon said Cassady's competency and vision have opened many doors for students.
“Our young alumni have expressed their appreciation for her classes now that they are in a college setting,” she said. “I'm very pleased she received this extraordinary honor, which will be part of Indiana poetry history forever. We are blessed to have her expertise guiding our students."
Cassady’s entries can be found at indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16066coll82/search/searchterm/Stacey%20Cassady
Caption: Marquette Catholic High School upper-level English instructor Stacey Cassady discusses an assignment with students on October 20. (Bob Wellinski photo)