America’s first poet laureate Amanda Gorman shot to stardom for her moving recital of her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ at the 2021 US Presidential Inauguration.
It seems one young fan was particularly inspired by the 23-year-old poet. Seven-year-old Jeremy Rowan dressed up his idol for his school’s Spirit Day, donning a bright yellow coat and red headband.
This little guy chose to dress as Amanda Gorman for “Dress as Your Idol” day at (remote) school. Thank you @TheAmandaGorman for inspiring all of our children to change the world! pic.twitter.com/2pYKUjhOQW
— Kim Rowan (@KimberlyRowan) March 22, 2021
Mum, Kimberly Rowan, told TODAY Parents her son really looks up Gorman. “He said he was dressing as Amanda since he was really enjoying reading her biography and writing a report about her life and poetry,” she said.
Kimberly says her son describes Gorman’s poetic style “like it’s a song” and uses her hands “like she is translating it into sign language.”
“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 photo of young Jeremy quickly went viral online, even catching attention from Gorman herself.
“When I dress up as my idol I have to dress up as him!” Gorman wrote on Twitter.
When I dress up as my idol I have to dress up as him! https://t.co/oitNAsEC9V
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) March 22, 2021
Kimberly said she “was floored” to see the famous poet’s message.
“We were honored, and are still stunned really, by this reaction. Then she sent us a beautiful video telling Jeremy how great his photo was. It is really such a special moment for him and I know it will shape who he becomes.”