The depth, the complexity, the references — everything about these pieces was genuinely impressive”

David Montano | WHAM Poet Laureate competition judge

The Surprise-based WHAM Art Center presented Zoey Hyman, a student at Trivium Preparatory Academy in Goodyear, as its newest poet laureate.

WHAM crowned Hyman for the third annual West Valley Youth Poet Laureate competition at its Surprise gallery on May 2.

Hyman received the honor from reigning 2024-2025 laureate Olivia Hanson.

Risi Peña, a poet from Dysart High School, was named runner-up.

Both finalists performed original works submitted earlier in the year, showcasing poems filled with insight, passion and poetic craft.

The judging panel — Daniel Edgerton, curriculum specialist for the Dysart Unified School District; David Montano, a fellow poet, regular presenter at WHAM’s monthly Open Mic and military veteran with dual master’s degrees in leadership and human relations; and Maggie Gautier, WHAM’s literary arts manager — evaluated entries based on originality, voice and live performance.

“I thought Maggie was joking when she first sent me the poems,” Montano said in his congratulatory speech. “But the depth, the complexity, the references — everything about these pieces was genuinely impressive.”

In addition to their new titles, Hyman and Peña will serve as youth poetry ambassadors for the 2025-2026 season, performing at public events, collaborating with local artists and receiving one-on-one coaching in presentation and performance from Gautier.

To expand opportunities for young poets across the region, WHAM announced a revamped application timeline. Beginning this fall, students can submit their work at the start of the school year, giving teachers, students and families more time to engage with the program.

“Poetry is part of the cultural ethos right now,” WHAM Executive Director Connie Whitlock said. “We’re witnessing a national resurgence of spoken word and youth expression — and we’re committed to ensuring there’s a home for that energy right here in the West Valley. It’s an exciting time to be a young poet, and WHAM is proud to help amplify their voices.”

For information about WHAM’s literary arts programming or to learn how to participate in next year’s Youth Poet Laureate competition, visit wham-art.org.