On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, Governor Brian P. Kemp and Georgia's Poet Laureate, Chelsea Rathburn, in collaboration with Georgia Council for the Arts, announced the winner and finalists of the sixth annual Poet Laureate's Prize.

“I am honored to recognize these distinguished students who have shown tremendous talent and creativity through poetry,” said Governor Kemp. “Their poems put a spotlight on the importance of literary arts across our state.”

The prize is awarded for an original poem written by a Georgia high school student. This annual program is designed to encourage students in grades nine through twelve to write original poems and engage in the art form of poetry. The winner and four finalists who were selected by Chelsea Rathburn were honored by Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Poet Laureate at the Georgia State Capitol on June 4, 2019.

“Reading the submissions to the Poet Laureate Prize, I was amazed by both the quality and variety of poems being written by students across the state. It’s clear that Georgia’s young poets have much to say about their experiences, their communities, and the issues that matter to them, and that they have teachers who are dedicated to the literary arts,” said Georgia's Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn. “What sets our prize winner and finalists apart is their awareness of what poetry can do over other forms of written expression. Their poems use surprising language, charged images, and careful, expressive lines. I’m excited to see where their writing takes them in the future.”

“The art of writing, and the ability to convey thought and emotion that compels readers in thirty lines or less, are skills that will serve these students throughout their lives,” said Karen Paty, Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Arts. “Every year, I am amazed by the work submitted by young poets across the state, and we are incredibly proud to have this opportunity to honor the talent, effort, and creativity of this remarkable group of students.”

2019 WINNER

Marylou Sutherland

“until I am”
12th Grade
Hillgrove High School
Marietta, Georgia

2019 FINALISTS

Rohini Bose

“Racehorses”
12th Grade
Lambert High School
Suwanee, Georgia

Aanika Eragam

“Coconut Promises”
9th Grade
Milton High School
Milton, Ga.

Jenna Keeler

“love letter to the girl I will be”
12th Grade
Cass High School
White, Georgia

Sarah Lao

“Room”
10th Grade
The Westminster Schools
Atlanta, Georgia