Johns Creek Students Named Poet Laureate Prize Finalists

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Two Johns Creek High School students were named finalists in the state's fifth-annual Poet Laureate's Prize. Georgia’s Poet Laureate Judson Mitcham, in collaboration with Georgia Council for the Arts, announced the winners and finalists on Monday.

Milton High School 11th grade student Dagmawit Adamu won the 2018 prize for her poem, "Seamstress." Johns Creek senior Ashley Wu was named a finalist for her poem," Dogtooth" while, Avanti Tulpule, a Johns Creek 11th grader, was commended for her work, "what i know of your silhouette," respectively.

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

“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.”

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.

The two additional 2018 finalists are:

• Lillian DeLecuona, 12th grade student at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Augusta: "Ybor City"
• Allison Boyle, 11th grade student at Bradwell Institute, Hinesville: "The State My World Is In"

Through a partnership with Atlanta Magazine, all winning and finalist poems are featured on their website. You can click here to read the students' poems.

The Georgia Council for the Arts is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that works to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding and statewide programs and services that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state’s cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities.

Funding for GCA is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.gaarts.org.

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Photo 1: Avanti Tulpule with Poet Laureate Judson Mitcham, left, and Gov. Nathan Deal.

Photo 2: Ashley Wu with Mitcham, left, and Gov. Deal.

Credit: Andrea Briscoe, Gov. Deal’s photographer