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BACKGROUND On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role of the Poet Laureate is to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the appreciation of the literary arts in the community. These individuals have established a wonderful tradition of Poetry readings at the Century House, while using their unique styles in developing new programs for the community. Some of these include television broadcasts and the establishment of the Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. In 2001, the City's Poet Laureate Program also won an award from the National Conference of Mayors. Past Poet Laureates include: • Charlene Villella (1999 — 2001) • Jim Ott (2001 — 2003) • Kirk Ridgeway (2003 — 2005) • Cynthia Bryant (2005 — 2007) • Martha Meltzer (2007 — 2009) • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) • Cynthia Bryant (2011-2012) • Sandra Harrison Kay (2013 - ) Past Teen Poet Laureates include: • Arany Uthayakumar (2012-2013) • Diana Fu (2012-2013) In August 2012, the City started the formal process to recruit and officially appoint a Teen Poet Laureate. In January 2013, two (2) students, one from each high school, were appointed to serve as the City's Teen Poet Laureates for the remaining duration of the 2012/2013 school year. Recruitment for the Teen Poet Laureate position for the 2013/2014 school year began this past summer. As part of the process, the City established a Poet Laureate Selection Committee to review submitted materials, interview candidates, and recommend candidates for the Teen Poet Laureate position. The Selection Committee was comprised of the following representatives: • Tegan McLane -Civic Arts Commissioner • Fred Norman - Non-Academic Poet/Community Member • Claire Margetts - Community-At-Large • Jill Vellinger - Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council • Erik Scherer- Pleasanton Unified School District • Julie Finegan —Visual and Literary Art Coordinator Page 2 of 3