Concord Middle School Hosts Inspiring Assembly by Poet LeDerick Horne

LeDerick Horne, a dynamic spoken-word poet, disability rights advocate, and author, led an all-school assembly at Concord Middle School to kick off the school year. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)

CONCORD — Concord Middle School students began the 2025-26 school year with an inspiring message of resilience and possibility, thanks to an all-school assembly sponsored by the Parent Teacher Group (PTG).

Students gathered to hear from LeDerick Horne, a dynamic spoken-word poet, disability rights advocate, and co-author of “Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success.”

Horne, who was labeled with a learning disability in third grade, uses his gift for spoken-word poetry as the gateway to larger discussions on equal opportunity, pride, self-determination, and hope for people with disabilities.

His performance encouraged students to take pride in themselves, embrace their strengths, and approach the year ahead with confidence.

Assistant Principal Olive Bradford said Horne’s message deeply resonated with both students and staff.

“Having LeDerick Horne open our school year was truly inspiring,” Bradford said. “His message about pride, resilience, and embracing who you are set such a powerful tone for our students and staff. You could feel the energy in the room — it reminded all of us that every student’s voice and story matter.”

Eighth grader Brian, who met Horne after the presentation, said the assembly gave him a new perspective.

“He was awesome!” Brian said. “I liked how he talked about turning challenges into strengths — it made me think about not giving up when things get hard.”

“LeDerick Horne’s message reminds us that success looks different for every student,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “By celebrating each learner’s unique path, we build a stronger and more inclusive school community where every child can thrive.”

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Spoken-word poet LeDerick Horne, center, kicked off the 2025-26 school year at Concord Middle School with an inspiring assembly. Afterward, he was joined by eighth-graders Reese, left, and Brian. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District)