WHAM extends deadline for poet laureate race in Surprise
Students aged 14-18 can apply for youth competition
By WHAM
Posted 3/27/24
The West Valley Youth Poet Laureate competition, sponsored by WHAM (What’s Happenin’ Art Movement), has announced an extension of the application deadline to Wednesday, April 10.
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Community
WHAM extends deadline for poet laureate race in Surprise
Students aged 14-18 can apply for youth competition
Courtesy WHAM
Maggie Gautier is the new literary arts manager at WHAM in Surprise.
Posted
We are thrilled to provide a platform that encourages creative writing and performance among young people in our community.”
Maggie Gautier | Literary arts manager at WHAM
By WHAM
The West Valley Youth Poet Laureate competition, sponsored by WHAM (What’s Happenin’ Art Movement), has announced an extension of the application deadline to Wednesday, April 10.
This extension is aimed at accommodating students aged 14 to 18 during their spring break, allowing aspiring young poets more time to submit their entries.
Maggie Gautier, the new literary arts manager at WHAM, expressed excitement about the growing interest in the competition.
“Applications are coming in, and as we find the best ways to get the word out, we decided to extend the deadline so young poets can have a bit more time after spring break to apply,” Gautier said.
The competition, now in its second year, offers a unique platform for young poets to showcase their talent and creativity.
Judges for the event include Adriel Grieshaber, the literacy coordinator for education services at the Dysart Unified School District, and Diane Francom, a member of WHAM and an experienced youth mentor and English teacher who holds degrees in theater and cinematic art and has taught at the university level.
The competition’s culminating event will take place at WHAM, 16560 N. Dysart Road, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19.
Nathaniel George, the first ever West Valley Poet Laureate, will be joined by the judges at WHAM Art Gallery as the new West Valley Youth Poet Laureate is inducted. First place will receive $250, second place $100, and third place $50. Additionally, there will be honorable mentions, and poets will have the opportunity to perform their pieces in front of an audience.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform that encourages creative writing and performance among young people in our community,” Gautier said. “ As we grow the Literary Arts Program at WHAM having an outlet for poets and writers, young and old, is the vision and mission of the program.”
To qualify, youth must be between the ages of 14 to 18 and reside in one of following West Valley cities: Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg or Youngtown.
Applications are available at WHAM-art.org under Literary Arts.
