
The National Student Poets Program is the nation’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work. This partnership between IMLS and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes student poets’ achievements at the national level and highlights the importance of literacy.
Each year, a national panel of literary luminaries selects five National Student Poets from gold and silver national medalists in the poetry category of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The young poets, nominated while in grades 10 and 11, are appointed at a special ceremony. During their year of service, the poets lead readings and workshops at libraries, museums, and schools, and participate in a range of regional literary and arts events.
Representing five geographical regions of the nation, the 2023 National Student Poets are:
Jacqueline Flores (Southeast), Fort Meade Middle Senior High School, Zolfo Springs, FL.
Miles Hardingwood (Northeast), Hunter College High School, Brooklyn, NY.
Shangri-La Hou (Midwest), John Burroughs School, Saint Louis, MO.
Kallan McKinney (Southwest), Norman High School, Norman, OK.
Gabriella Miranda (West), Rowland Hall, Salt Lake City, UT.

Photo (L to R): Jacqueline Flores (FL), Miles Hardingwood(NY), Shangri-La Hou (MO), Kallan McKinney (OK), and Gabriella Miranda (UT).
Learn more about the Class of 2023 National Student Poets.