Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate
The Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate is a program of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) in partnership with Urban Word, the producer of the National Youth Poet Laureate program and movement. This program celebrates youth voices committed to artistic excellence, civic engagement, and social impact.
The position of Youth Poet Laureate is recognized by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors with a county resolution made in honor of this role.
To book, contact ReNae Jackson at 831-622-9060 or via email at [email protected].
Announcing the 2024/2025 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate
After a competitive selection process, the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is thrilled to announce Maram Haddad as the 2024/2025 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate (YPL). Starting in May 2024, Maram will serve a one-year term where she will participate in various county events promoting poetry and literacy and receive an honorarium of $1,000.
Additional recognitions include runner-up Ariana Diaz, Senior at Rancho San Juan High School, and Honorable mentions Anixia Davila, Senior at Gonzales High School, Dania Garcia-Castillo, Senior at Alisal High School, Ieleen Li, Junior at Salinas High School, Vivian Mata, Senior at Salinas High School.
The community is invited Monday, April 29th at 5:30 pm at the Marina Library Community Room to a special commencement ceremony celebrating this appointment. Attendees will be able to hear original poems from the finalists and the new Youth Poet Laureate at this free event! Then join us on Tuesday, April 30th at 10 am at the County Government Center to witness the Board of Supervisors award a resolution recognizing our new Youth Poet Laureate!
Maram Haddad
2024/2025 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate
2023/2024 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate
Mahi Shah of Salinas, a junior at Notre Dame High School, was selected as the inaugural Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate. She is serving a one-year term concluding at the end of April of 2024. The appointment includes a $1,000 honorarium.
During her term, she participated in numerous community events, where she shared her original poems. Some of these events include Palenke Arts, Carmel Bach Festival, Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium, Pacific Grove Library Teen Poetry Event, and CSUMB Women in Poetry celebration. Mahi also spoke to her peers at Rancho San Juan High School about her experience as Youth Poet Laureate. We would like to congratulate Mahi on her outstanding performance during her tenure.
To book, contact ReNae Jackson at 831-622-9060 or via email at [email protected].
Mahi Shah
2023/2024 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate