Category: Youth Poetry

Write a Tiny Poem: Workshop with Stanislaus Youth Laureate Valentina Zeff

YPL workshop Sat Feb 28 at 1 pm on Zoom

Join us on Zoom this Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. as Youth Poet Laureate Valentina Zeff shares tips on how to write a tiny poem for the Woven Words Teen Contest. She guides you through the contest submission process and shows you how easy it can be to be a PUBLISHED POET! PLUS …

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Poetry Out Loud Contest Feb. 3

Poetry Out Loud 2026

You’re all invited to attend the Stanislaus County Poetry Out Loud contest on Tuesday, February 3 at the Prospect Theater Project. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history …

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2025-2026 Youth Poet Laureate Selected

Announcing Valentina Zeff as Stanislaus County's 2025-2026 Youth Poet Laureate.

May 1, 2025 Valentina Zeff, incoming junior at Modesto High School’s International Baccalaureate program, was selected as the Stanislaus County Youth Poet Laureate for 2025-2026. She will serve a one-year term, participate in several engagements throughout the year, and receive a $500 honorarium. Valentina Zeff is a sixteen-year-old poet from Modesto, California who is currently …

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April 18 Youth Poet Laureate Reading

Join us at the Salida Library in honor of National Poetry Month, when Youth Poet Laureate Zoe Byron reads some of her work for us, followed by an Open Mic. This event is free and open to the public. At the Nick W. Blom Salida Regional Library Branch on Sisk Road in Salida.

Oakdale High’s Zoe Byron Selected as 2024-25 Stanislaus County Youth Poet Laureate

Zoe Byron with her dog

We’re excited to share that Zoe Byron of Oakdale has been selected as our next youth laureate. Zoe Byron,  a sophomore at Oakdale High School, was selected as the Stanislaus County Youth Poet Laureate for 2024-2025. She will serve a one-year term, participate in several engagements throughout the year, and receive a $500 honorarium. Cameron …

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