Michelle Obama introduces new class of National Student Poets, hears them read at White House

September 18 2014 02:07 AM

CP29940940 — First lady Michelle Obama gestures during remarks before a poetry reading in the Blue Room of the White House, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, in Washington. The President\'s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities hosts the event to honor the 2014 National Student Poets, five high school students who are receiving the nation\'s highest honor for teen poets presenting original work. From left, Cameron Messinides, of Greenville, S.C., Madeleine LeCesne, of New Orleans, La., Ashley Gong, of Sandy Hook, Conn., Obama, Julia Falkner, of Louisville, Colo., and Weston Clark, of Indianapolis, Ind. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Original Publication Date: September 18, 2014 2:07AM

Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 10:05PM

WASHINGTON – Michelle Obama has introduced the newest class of National Student Poets.

The five 15- to 18-year-olds will promote the reading, writing and appreciation of poetry during a year of service as literary ambassadors, particularly among young people.

Each student read original poems for the first lady and guests Thursday at the White House.

Mrs. Obama says the program was created to nurture the passion and creativity of young people while sharing the “gifts and wonders” of poetry.

She says Thursday’s event celebrates the students’ journey through endless drafts and writer’s block.

The students are 16-year-old Weston Clark of Zionsville, Indiana; 18-year-old Madeleine Lecesne (leh-SEN’) of New Orleans; 15-year-old Ashley Gong of Sandy Hook, Connecticut; 17-year-old Cameron Messinides (meh-SIN’-neh-dees) of Camden, South Carolina; and 17-year-old Julia Falkner of Louisville, Colorado.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.