Calling all youth poets, spoken word artists, writers, and rappers! The Watsonville Poet Laureate Selection Committee is accepting nominations for the second Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate, to succeed Rachel Huerta and Eva Sophia Martinez Rodriguez, whose terms are expiring in December 2025.
The program’s primary goal is to recognize a youth under the age of 20 for their literary achievements with a commitment to and a passion for promoting awareness of poetry, and whose work (literary or otherwise) demonstrates a commitment to social justice, equity, and diversity.
“It was such an honor to have both Rachel and Eva serve as Watsonville’s first co-Youth Poet Laureates. During their term, they gave public readings at events that were free and open to the public,” said Alicia Martinez, Library Director. “The new incoming Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate will work with our current Watsonville Poet Laureate, Dr. Victoria Bañales, to represent the City of Watsonville and the art of poetry through outreach and literary activities of the Watsonville Public Library.”
Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by other city residents through an application made available by the public library. Pick up an application and submit it in person at the Library or via email at alicia.martinez@watsonville.gov through November 15, 2025.
During the one-year term that starts January 2026, the Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate will:
- Represent the City of Watsonville and the art of poetry through outreach
- Work with the current Watsonville Poet Laureate to participate in poetry and literary activities of the Watsonville Public Library
- Read poems at ceremonial events (examples could include at the unveiling of a new building or bridge that will benefit the community), at City Council or other public meetings
- Champion the art of poetry and the spoken word in the city in person and on social media.
- Encourage and recruit other young poets to participate in readings and events
- Attend literary and other cultural events in the city as appropriate
- Able to give and participate in 5-10 public readings and events that are free and open to the public
- Join other local poets in the search for the next Youth Poet Laureate
Eligibility Criteria/Qualifications:
- The Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate will be available to serve a one-year term
- The individual will be a student who attends or has attended schools(s) in the Watsonville area
- Submit five original, unpublished poems
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, family member, or friend
- Submit a one-page essay describing their reasons for applying and goals as Youth Poet Laureate
- Agree to be videotaped and/or audio recorded
- The individual must be between the ages of 14 and 19.
To learn more about the program, please visit: https://bit.ly/345sIqL or email Alicia Martinez at alicia.martinez@watsonville.gov