Georgia’s Poet Laureate, Judson Mitcham, in collaboration with Georgia Council for the Arts, is pleased to announce the winner and finalists of the fifth annual Poet Laureate’s Prize.

“Writing poetry plays a crucial role in educating Georgia’s students, advancing literacy through meaningful connections to reading, writing, and language arts,” said Karen Paty, executive director of Georgia Council for the Arts. “The work of these young poets is incredible. We are extremely proud to honor their talent and efforts, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.”

The prize is awarded for an original poem written by a Georgia high school student. This annual program is designed to encourage students in grades nine through 12 to write original poems and to engage in the unique art form of poetry. The winner and four finalists who were selected by Judson Mitcham were honored by Governor Deal, First Lady Sandra Deal, and the Poet Laureate at the Georgia State Capitol on April 30.

All Georgia high school students are encouraged to participate. Students interested in participating in next year’s program should check for details about the 2019 competition on the Georgia Council for the Arts website in the fall of 2018. The annual submission deadline will be at the beginning of March. Click here to learn more about the program.

Meet the 2018 winner and finalists below.

2018 WINNER

Dagmawit Adamu
“Seamstress”
11^th grade
Milton High School
Milton, Ga.

2018 FINALISTS

Lillian DeLecuona
“Ybor City”
12^th grade
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
Augusta, Ga.

Allison Boyle
“The State My World Is In”
11^th grade
Bradwell Institute
Hinesville, Ga.

Ashley Wu
“Dogtooth”
12^th grade
Johns Creek High School
Johns Creek, Ga.

Avanti Tulpule
“what i know of your silhouette”
11^th grade
Johns Creek High School
Johns Creek, Ga.

Through a partnership with Atlanta Magazine, all winning and finalist poems are featured on their website. Click here to read the poems.