Past Cohorts

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

Mason Leopold really loves the spot where life in the Valley, environmental celebration, and artistic language intersect. They hang out here a lot, writing pieces about human and ecological relationships through a sensitive, personal lens. 

Read his poem Elegy here. 

An Interview with Mason

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 

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 

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

Dina Lusztig Noyes is committed to telling the story of those who struggle to be accepted and communicating the communal experience of growing up queer and anxious in the modern age. She wants to give a voice to her generation, and is dedicated to creating spaces for her peers to speak volumes. Her writing centers largely around the themes of mental health, gender, and growing up in her generation.

Gregory Souza is a math obsessed poet who rediscovered his love for poetry in high school. Before which, he had co-written a few books and written some short stories. He also loves expression in the form of paintings and other art mediums.

Madeline Aliah has been publishing poetry in the community since the age of 11. Her poetry chapbook, This Is My Body: Poems by a Teen Trans Fem, came out in January. She has found her voice as an advocate for Queer youth, and delivered a talk at TEDx Santa Cruz.

Simon Ellefson is a poet and artist from the San Lorenzo Valley. He has 2 very silly cats, and loves sharing stories and ideas through creative expression.