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in-person Spring poetry slam into a digital experience. In April 2020, she developed <br /> virtual content for Earth Day and Arbor Day, sharing original poetry. <br /> As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, City staff recommended pausing the recruitment <br /> for the 2020/2021 Teen Poet Laureate, citing challenges in connecting with remote <br /> students and interviewing in a virtual environment. At the February 2021 meeting, the <br /> Civic Arts Commission expressed support for a recruitment for a 2021/2022 Teen Poet <br /> Laureate and a subcommittee was formed, led by Commissioner Stephanie Pellegrino. <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> In April 2021, Library and Recreation staff began the formal recruitment process for the <br /> Teen Poet Laureate position for the 2021/2022 school year. Incoming high school <br /> juniors and seniors who "enjoyed writing, inspiring others and were interested in <br /> contributing to their community" were encouraged to apply. Applications were accepted <br /> at the Pleasanton Library and online through April 30, 2021. <br /> City Commissioners representing the Civic Arts Commission, Library Commission, and <br /> Human Services Commission joined City staff on an interview panel on May 17, 2021 to <br /> select the City's next Teen Poet Laureate from a pool of four candidates. Nikita <br /> Jayaprakash was chosen based on experience in the field of poetry, community <br /> engagement and program ideas for elementary school students and older adults. <br /> At a joint meeting on May 24, 2021, Civic Arts Commission and the Library Commission <br /> voted to approve the recommendation of Nikita Jayaprakash as Teen Poet Laureate. <br /> If appointed by the City Council, Nikita Jayaprakash will serve as Teen Poet Laureate <br /> from August 2021 through May 2022. <br /> Submitted by: Fiscal Review: Approved <br /> (j/ (/' /4(' <br /> Heidi Murphy 410Tina Olson Nelson Fialho <br /> Director of Library and Recreation Director of Finance City Manager <br /> Page 3 of 3 <br />