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Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finals Set for May 16 at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
By Staff Writer
Published on Thu, Apr 30, 2026
Young voices, powerful stories and a whole lot of talent are set to take center stage in Long Beach in May. The City of Long Beach Department of Library, Arts and Culture is preparing to host the 2026 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finals Ceremony, where 10 local teen poets will compete for the title of Youth Poet Laureate and the chance to represent the city through poetry, advocacy and public service.
The event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library and is free and open to the public.
Hosted by award-winning Long Beach poet Charlie “Philosophy” Scott III, the finals will feature live performances of original work from 10 finalists selected from across the city. A panel of distinguished judges—including West Hollywood Poet Laureate Jen Cheng, Anaheim Poet Laureate Camille Hernandez and poet Mike Sonksen—will evaluate both live performances and submitted portfolios before selecting the 2026–27 Youth Poet Laureate cohort.
The winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship and serve as Long Beach’s next Youth Poet Laureate, while four Youth Poet Ambassadors will each receive $500 scholarships. Beyond the awards, the selected cohort will participate in a yearlong leadership and mentorship program that includes workshops, public readings, creative development and opportunities to represent Long Beach at community events.
The program is about much more than poetry. It celebrates young people using writing as a tool for civic engagement, social change and storytelling—giving teens a platform to reflect their communities and challenge the world around them.
Long Beach joined the national Youth Poet Laureate movement in 2023, becoming part of a program first launched by Urban Word NYC in 2008.
This year’s finalists bring a wide range of voices, experiences and perspectives to the stage:
2026 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Finalists
Annali Bojorquez (she/her), 17, is a junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. After traveling across 17 countries, she has developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Her poetry explores identity and connection.
Adele Odetta (she/her), 16, is a sophomore at Long Beach Polytechnic High School whose work centers on social justice issues including gun violence, climate change and sexual trauma. She is active in performing arts and community service.
Ajala Sen (she/her), 17, is a junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a Los Angeles County Youth Poet Ambassador, and a published poet and musician. She uses poetry and music to inspire connection, political awareness and change.
Annalysse Sullivan (she/her), 15, is a freshman at Millikan High School who balances poetry with swimming, volunteering and playing viola. An avid reader, she draws inspiration from stories and everyday reflection.
Cecelia Rogers (she/her), 15, is a freshman at Millikan High School and a young activist who uses poetry to express her beliefs. She also enjoys photography and performing with her theater group.
Eden Gonzalez (she/her), 14, is a freshman at McBride High School and current Long Beach Youth Poet Ambassador whose nationally recognized work challenges social norms and explores the human experience across genres.
Emely Ibanez (she/her), 18, is a senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a first-generation student and a percussionist. Through poetry, she uplifts community voices and fosters empathy.
Kieran Lundy (he/him), 16, is a sophomore at Long Beach Polytechnic High School whose work has been published and recognized by major youth literary programs. He brings a thoughtful, literary voice to his poetry.
Liam “Lee” Balmeo (they/them), 16, is a junior at Millikan High School, spoken word artist and youth advocate. Their award-winning work blends poetry and service, uplifting marginalized communities.
Ruby Giles (she/her), 17, is a sophomore at Blue Ridge Academy whose work centers on disability advocacy and poetry as protest. She amplifies marginalized voices through writing grounded in history and social justice.
The outgoing 2025–26 Youth Poet Laureate, Ezequiel Correa, will announce this year’s winners at the end of the ceremony.
For those who love poetry or want to support the next generation of young artists and changemakers, the finals offer a chance to witness some of Long Beach’s brightest young voices in action.
Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance. For more information, visit the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate Program website or call 562.570.7500.
