Five high school students from different regions across the United States have been chosen as this year’s National Student Poets, each representing a specific part of the country. Robert Gao from University Laboratory High School in Illinois will be the Midwest poet, while Marcus Burns from St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont will cover the Northeast. Nadia Wright from Murrah High School in Mississippi will be the Southeast poet. Sofia Kamal from Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Arizona is the Southwest poet, and Anya Melchinger from Mid-Pacific Institute in Hawaii will represent the West.

The National Student Poets Program (NSPP) is a collaboration between the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The program is linked to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, from which the student poet finalists were selected. Each student poet will receive $5,000 and will spend the upcoming year interacting with youth through various activities such as readings, workshops, and other projects.

IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum expressed pride in the Class of 2024 NSPP poets, highlighting their exceptional talent and creativity that will inspire communities nationwide over the course of their service year. These young poets draw inspiration from their family backgrounds, the natural world, and personal struggles in their poetry.

For instance, Burns’ poem reflects on his grandmother’s sacrifice that led their family to America, while Gao’s work evokes imagery of their father adorned with the remnants of a long day’s work. Kamal’s poem gazes at the moon with a sense of unfulfilled desire, and Melchinger’s piece explores the dynamics of a house’s existence amidst the elements. Wright’s poem celebrates her roots in the American South, reminiscing about the strong women and comforting food of her upbringing.

The students’ poems showcase a blend of personal experiences and vivid imagery, offering a glimpse into their unique perspectives and storytelling abilities. Throughout their tenure as National Student Poets, these young writers will have the opportunity to connect with audiences of all ages and continue to enrich the literary landscape with their voices.