Current Poets & Work

Finn Maxwell, Youth Poet Laureate

San Lorenzo Valley High School

Finn Maxwell is a junior in high school. He writes short stories and poems, often taking inspiration from his home in Boulder Creek. Finn's work has been recognized by the Scholastic Writing Awards and the Iowa Young Writers Studio and is present in The Malu Zine, The Blue Marble Review, and The Incandescent Review. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time painting and practicing photography.

Read his poem En Plein Air here.

View his webpage here

An Interview with Finn Maxwell

Sylvi Kayser, Finalist

Aptos High School

Sylvi Kayser is an avid writer and poet focused on expression of self. His work is a reflection of identity, her mind, and humanity as a whole. She has been writing all her life and discovered a love for poetry in eighth grade. Through their work, Sylvi wishes to cultivate spaces of understanding and hope. 

Read her poem Some Pearl I Turned Out to Be here.

An Interview with Sylvi Kayser 

Noemi Romero, Finalist

Pajaro Valley High School

Noemi Romero's writing comes from this connection to their inner child, whom they want to heal. They use poetry as a way to explore who they are, especially as a Mexican American, and to better understand the parts of themself that are still growing. They also come from a theater background, which influences how they write and perform. Theater taught them how to use their voice, bring emotion to the surface, and make people feel something. They write because it helps them feel seen, and hope it helps others feel the same way.

Read their poem Una Romántica here.

Visit Noemi's TikTok to check out more of their work!

An Interview with Noemi 

Xander Shulman, Finalist

Santa Cruz High School

Xander Shulman is a musically-driven poet who emphasizes the rhythmic and artistic liberties of his writing. He's a jazz drummer who plays for several groups, namely his band, Gma's Place (@gmajams), at local events and gigs, as well as a bagpiper in Santa Cruz Pipes and Drums, under the performative instruction of Jay Salter, who also has provided poetry guidance. He wants to bring the sound of his music into the thought of his writing, using poetry as a medium to address modern uncertainties in an unfiltered voice.

Read his poem Freedom is Beckoning here.

An Interview with Xander