Westchester County Poet Laureate BK Fischer, Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, Westchester County Youth Poet Laureates Alexa Murphy and Harmony Hopwood, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer recently announced the appointment of two new Youth Poet Laureates, Alexa Murphy and Harmony Hopwood. These two individuals were elected by the Westchester County Youth Bureau for their exceptional talent and passion for poetry.

Alexa Murphy is a Grade 11 student at the Masters School and a member of the school’s spoken-word poetry group, Outspoken. She says that her experience with the group helped her realize her love for poetry and drove her to become a writer for her school’s newspaper, Tower. As Youth Poet Laureate, Murphy hopes to serve her County and give back to her community.

The other appointee, Harmony Hopwood, is a Grade 9 student at New Rochelle High School. She has always been interested in creating stories, poetry and art. Hopwood believes that these forms of expression provide a window to connect with others.

Says Latimer: “Poetry provides those who enjoy it an outlet to express themselves and better understand the experiences of others through their own expression. Alexa and Harmony embody that spirit, and it was a pleasure to hear their stories and spoken word.”