7-Year-Old Boy Dresses as Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman for “Idol Day” at School

Who was your childhood hero? From pop stars and athletes to friends and family members, you probably had someone who you looked up to as a kid. When 7-year-old Jeremy Rowan was asked to dress as his idol for his school's Spirit Day, he knew exactly who he wanted to be. He chose to dress as Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet laureate in U.S. history.

When choosing an idol, Gorman is a fantastic choice. The 22-year-old activist and poet loved poetry from a young age and used writing and reading aloud to overcome a speech impediment. At age 16, Gorman became the Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles and published her first book of poems in 2015. She went on to graduate from Harvard in 2020 with a degree in sociology and was later named the first National Youth Poet Laureate.

On January 20, 2021, Gorman recited her poem The Hill We Climb at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Her words acknowledged the hard times that Americans are living through while still highlighting the need for hope. This is the historic event that inspired Jeremy’s costume. He recreated the iconic yellow blazer, white polo neck, and red headband she wore by using items he found at home.

“He said he was dressing as Amanda since he was really enjoying reading her biography and writing a report about her life and poetry,” Jeremy’s mother Kimberly Rowan explains. “And when it came to finding the outfit, he knew right where to look: in his closet, the costume box, and beyond. He had a blast coming up with the costume.”

The proud mother shared a photo of her son’s outfit on Twitter, and to her surprise, it caught the attention of the real Amanda Gorman. The poet reposted the image on World Poetry Day (March 21) with the caption, “When I dress up as my idol I have to dress up as him!”

The Rowan family were stunned and delighted by the reaction, and Gorman even sent them a private video to congratulate Jeremy on such a great costume. “It is really such a special moment for him and I know it will shape who he becomes,” Kimberly says. “The love from Amanda and the world has reaffirmed his choice in dressing as her.” She adds, “I believe this will allow him to continue to make bold choices in the future without the fear that others may react negatively.”

Check out Jeremy’s great Amanda Gorman costume below.

When 7-year-old Jeremy Rowan was asked to dress as his idol for his school's Spirit Day, he chose to be Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet laureate in U.S. history.

Watch Gorman recite her poem The Hill We Climb, which was the inspiration for Jeremy's costume.

Amanda Gorman: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 
h/t: [Reddit]

Related Articles:

3-Year-Old Girl Dresses Up as Strong Female Role Models in Empowering Series

Single Mom Dresses Up Like a Man to Go to Fathers-Only School Event With Her Son

Dad Designs Stunningly Detailed Disney Costumes for His Kids

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content