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BACKGROUND <br /> On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Civic Arts Commission's <br /> recommendation to create the position of Pleasanton Poet Laureate. The primary role <br /> of the Poet Laureate is to provide appropriate poetry at civic events, and promote the <br /> appreciation of the literary arts in the community. <br /> These individuals have established a wonderful tradition of poetry readings at the <br /> Century House, while using their unique styles in developing new programs for the <br /> community. Some of these include television broadcasts and the establishment of the <br /> Poetry, Prose and Arts Festival. In 2001, the City's Poet Laureate Program also won an <br /> award from the National Conference of Mayors. <br /> Past Poet Laureates include: <br /> • Charlene Villella (1999 — 2001) <br /> • Jim Ott (2001 —2003) <br /> • Kirk Ridgeway (2003—2005) <br /> • Cynthia Bryant (2005 —2007) <br /> • Martha Meltzer(2007—2009) <br /> • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) <br /> • Cynthia Bryant (2011-2012) <br /> • Sandra Harrison Kay (2013 - 2015) <br /> Past Teen Poet Laureates include: <br /> • Arany Uthayakumar (2012-2013) <br /> • Diana Fu (2012-2013) & (2013-2014) <br /> • Nive Raghavan (2013-2014) <br /> • Nicole Tsuno (2014-2015) <br /> • Maya Lyubomirsky (2014-2015) <br /> • Frances Tang (2015-2016) <br /> • Kyler Juarez (2015-2016) <br /> In August 2012, the City started the formal process to recruit and officially appoint a <br /> Teen Poet Laureate. In January 2013, the first two (2) students, one from Amador <br /> Valley and Foothill High School(s), were appointed to serve as the City's Teen Poet <br /> Laureates for the remaining duration of the 2012/2013 school year. <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br />