Santa Cruz Public Libraries is sharing exciting news from the world of local poetry: Vicky Arabella Tinnell, a senior at Santa Cruz High School, has been named the 2026–2027 Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate.
The announcement was made at a celebration held April 16 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center, hosted by former Santa Cruz County Poet Laureate Farnaz Fatemi and current Poet Laureate Nancy Miller Gomez. The evening featured readings from the Rising Voices Youth Poetry Collective, the outgoing cohort of poets, and each of this year’s remarkable finalists: Bella Dowd of Delta High School, Felice Rickwald of Branciforte Middle School, Ash Raznick of Cypress High School, and Ror Spaugh of Aptos High School.
The 2026-1017 cohort: l-r Vicky Tinnell, Ash Raznick, Bella Dowd, Felice Rickwald. Note pictured – Ror Spaugh.
About Vicky Tinnell
Vicky’s poetry is rooted in her Congolese heritage and her life growing up in Santa Cruz. She writes about identity, belonging, and resilience — transforming lived experience into poems that speak to young people navigating a complicated world. An active member of the Rising Voices Youth Poetry Collective, her work has appeared in local youth anthologies. Beyond the page, she channels her creativity into performance, volunteering, and community building through the arts.
What’s Ahead
Over the next year, Vicky will serve as a county ambassador for poetry, social action, and civic engagement. She’ll share her own poetic practice while lifting up her peers through readings, workshops, and appearances at events across Santa Cruz County.
We can’t wait to see — and hear — what she brings to this role. Learn more about the Youth Poet Laureate program and this year’s full cohort here.
The program is presented by Santa Cruz Public Libraries and Farnaz Fatemi in partnership with Urban Word.