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.

Read the collaborative poem "Poetry as Archive," written by Jaqueline Flores, Miles Hardingwood, Kallan McKinney, Gabriella Miranda, and Shangri-La Hou, members of the Class of 2023 National Student Poets Program, for the IMLS National Student Poet Congressional Reception.

Learn more about the Class of 2023 National Student Poets.