Mendocino County names two Youth Poet Laureates for 2026–28 

MENDOCINO CO., 2/4/26 – Mendocino County has named Aubrey McHone, a junior at Point Arena High School, and Irie Wagar, a senior at Ukiah High School, as its Youth Poet Laureates for the 2026–28 term. 

The Youth Poet Laureate program recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in poetry and leadership, empowering young writers to serve as cultural ambassadors while helping expand access to poetry throughout the county.  

Mendocino County is now in its third cycle of the program, joining Alameda, Los Angeles, Sonoma and Ventura counties, in naming youth poet laureates. 

Both McHone and Wagar were selected from a competitive pool of applicants by a panel of local poets and educators. Organizers said that both candidates were so strong that judges chose to appoint two laureates for the upcoming term. 

McHone said poetry has long been a way for her to process emotions and connect with others. Through sharing her work — particularly performative poetry — she hopes to encourage others to use writing as creative expression and personal healing. 

“I have always wanted to help other people,” McHone said in a statement. “I hope to aid as many people as I can in finding a voice in which they can express themselves.” 

Wagar said her poetry is rooted in observation, honesty and a deep connection to nature and community. A student active in theater and creative writing at Ukiah High School, she credits her teachers and mentors for helping shape her artistic voice. 

“I believe poetry can be found anywhere,” Wagar said. “It is such an honor to be chosen as the Youth Poet Laureate of Mendocino County.” 

The Mendocino County Youth Poet Laureate program is coordinated locally by poet and educator Blake More as part of a statewide and national project supported by California Poets in the Schools, Urban Word NYC, the Arts Council of Mendocino County and the Mendocino County Office of Education. 

“I believe artists have a responsibility to share their craft with the next generations,” More said. “This project helps keep poetry alive while giving young writers the opportunity to share their voices widely.” 

McHone and Wagar begin their terms this month and will serve through June 2028. During that time, each will complete at least five public readings, workshops or appearances — ideally one in each supervisorial district — and will receive support to publish a collection of poems. 

Schools and community organizations interested in hosting a Youth Poet Laureate event are encouraged to contact Blake More at blake@arenatechcenter.org.  

A virtual poetry reading celebrating the new laureates will be announced at a later date.