A side-by-side image shows two young people. On the left, a teen wearing a blue-and-gold “Pirates” cheerleading uniform looks off to the side while holding pom-poms against a dark background. On the right, another teen smiles slightly while standing outdoors near water, wearing a brown cap, green turtleneck sweater, layered necklaces and colorful earrings, with hills and sky in the background.
(L-R) Aubrey McHone, a junior at Point Arena High School, and Irie Wagar, a senior at Ukiah High School, have been named Mendocino County’s Youth Poet Laureates for the 2026–28 term. The pair were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and will serve as cultural ambassadors for poetry across the county. (California Poets in Schools via Bay City News)

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.  

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Sarah Stierch covers breaking news and more for The Mendocino Voice. Reach her at sarah@mendovoice.com.