(BERGENFIELD, NJ) -- On October 28, 2026, Bergen County's inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Program recognized six young writers at a ceremony at Bergenfield Public Library, introducing a cohort that will help shape the program's first year of literary and community activities.
The evening opened with cellist Hawon Song and violist Priscila Alcala performing Beethoven’s “Duet with Two Obligato Eyeglasses,” WoO 32. Max Deninzon served as master of ceremonies.
Before the appointments were announced, finalists Dylan Striano, Emily Tong, Giada Laiolo, and Izzaldeen Maflahi read selections of their original poetry.
Emily Tong was named Youth Poet Laureate for 2026–2027. Alexandra Rhee and Caroline Dubinsky were named Vice Youth Poet Laureates. Dylan Striano, Giada Laiolo, and Izzaldeen Maflahi complete the inaugural six-person finalist cohort.
The program is a student-led, countywide initiative of Artrepreneurship Initiative Alliance Inc. and a member of Urban Word’s National Youth Poet Laureate Network. Its inaugural application was open to writers ages 13–18 who live in or attend school in Bergen County.
Poet and former Tenafly High School English teacher Gary J. Whitehead independently evaluated the submissions. Tong, who founded and directs the local program, was selected as laureate through that independent judging process.
For Tong, who founded and directs the program, the aim extends beyond the recognition.
“I started Bergen YPL because I wanted young writers to have a community at the local level that takes their work seriously,” Tong said. “Poetry gives us room to explore what matters to us; it is a way of confessing—often to complete strangers—how you see the world, and it is equally a method to explore love, in its many abundances and absences. This year, I hope to create free workshops and readings where students can develop their writing and share it when they feel ready.”
The cohort received legislative certificates from Senator Joseph A. Lagana, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, and Assemblyman Chris Tully of New Jersey’s 38th Legislative District. Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio and the Borough Council provided proclamations and certificates, and Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco sent a congratulatory letter.
Bergen YPL is now developing school and library writing workshops, readings, and community-poetry projects. Proposed workshops would welcome beginners and include guided writing and revision, with sharing optional. Individual programs and dates will be announced once confirmed with participating hosts.
Schools, libraries, and community organizations interested in exploring a youth-poetry program may contact [email protected].
There are multiple performances including:
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
Union, NJ
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
There are multiple performances including:
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
