Esme Morris Named 2025/26 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2025
MT. STERLING, KY — The Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) is proud to announce Esme Morris of Lexington as the 2025/26 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate, following a live announcement event during the National Youth Poet Laureate Commencement on May 2 in New York City.
"We are honored to uplift the exceptional voices of Kentucky’s young writers through this program, especially our 2025/26 Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris," said Jordan Campbell, Executive Director of the Gateway Regional Arts Center. "Our Kentucky Youth Poet Laureates are far more than poets — they are leaders, bridge-builders, and innovators. We are thrilled to see our laureates pursue careers that intertwine writing, advocacy, and creativity in fields ranging from social justice to education to health. Their work reminds us that the written word remains a powerful force for community and change."
This program follows the Commonwealth’s broader investment in literacy and the arts, including support for initiatives like the Kentucky Arts Council’s Writers’ Day. Recently, Governor Andy Beshear attended the Writers’ Day celebration at the Kentucky State Capitol, where he met outgoing 2024/25 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Maira Faisal, a student at Northern Kentucky University, who delivered a moving reading of her work.
"In Kentucky, we lift up the arts and celebrate them because they are a part of not just our legacy but of our DNA and how we go about our work every day," said Governor Andy Beshear. "Our arts sector is such a huge part of that tourism industry — it's a $6.9 billion part of it every year. It supports 51,000 jobs. So if anyone ever tries to tell a young person that there aren't jobs in the arts — there are 51,000 of them here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Our writers are helping us improve literacy for our children and adults across the state, and that opens so many doors for the rest of their lives."
The Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate program, proudly administered by GRAC in collaboration with Urban Word NYC, recognizes extraordinary young Kentuckians who combine literary excellence with a commitment to leadership, service, and community impact. Joining Morris in recognition are Sylvannah Rhodes of Louisville, who earned second place, and Dillon Cain of Covington, awarded third place. These three outstanding young writers represent the future of Kentucky’s literary tradition, civic leadership, and creative innovation.
About the 2025/26 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate and Finalists
Esme Morris — 2025/26 Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate (Lexington)
A student at Lafayette High School and a long-time member of SCAPA's Literary Arts program, Morris has demonstrated a rare blend of artistic talent and community leadership. In addition to receiving multiple Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, including two Gold Keys and an American Voice nomination, she has served in leadership roles for SCAPA Literary Arts and Lafayette High School’s Speech and Debate Team, tutored through the French National Honor Society, and maintained an active presence in theatre and Irish dance. Her poetry and leadership shine as examples of how creativity fuels civic life.
Sylvannah Rhodes — Second Place (Louisville)
Rhodes, a dynamic writer and performer, has contributed richly to her school and community as a peer tutor, theatre participant, and co-founder of the United Poets group. She has been recognized for her achievements at the Louisville Youth Poet Laureate semifinals and has performed at numerous literary events. With a record of community volunteering, academic excellence, and creative performance, Rhodes exemplifies the spirit of the Youth Poet Laureate movement.
Dillon Cain — Third Place (Covington)
Cain, a student at Covington Catholic High School, merges his talents in writing, photography, and civic service into an impressive portfolio of leadership and creativity. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Gold Key winner in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and published poet and photographer, Cain also operates his own media business and volunteers extensively across Kentucky. His service includes work with the YMCA, LINKnky News, the Kentucky State Government Communications Office, and a host of local nonprofits. His work epitomizes the creative spirit and civic commitment celebrated by this program.
About the Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Program
The Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate program is part of the National Youth Poet Laureate initiative led by Urban Word NYC in partnership with the Gateway Regional Arts Center in Mt. Sterling. Kentucky remains one of a select few states to support a full statewide program. In partnership with local and national arts leaders, GRAC is proud to amplify the next generation of writers whose words will shape Kentucky’s future.
Future appearances and programming featuring Esme Morris and the Youth Poet Laureate cohort will be announced in the coming months. For more information about the Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate program, visit grackentucky.org/ky-ypl.
Media Contact:
Jordan Campbell
Executive Director
Gateway Regional Arts Center
director@grackentucky.org
(859) 498-6264