Westchester Announces Two New Youth Laureates

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.”

About ArtsWestchester

Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.