Saaya Accapadi, a 17-year-old senior at L.C. Anderson High School, has been named the 2025 Austin Youth Poet Laureate.
The Youth Poet Laureate program spotlights young Austin writers who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry performance, social justice, and education.
At L.C. Anderson, Saaya is president of the Anderson Book Club, violinist and social media manager for the orchestra, president and researcher for the International Music Club, and president of the Model UN. Outside of school, she studies Indian classical dance and ballet, and volunteers for the Austin Public Library.
Saaya is inspired by a motto printed on a sign she would often see after violin lessons – “‘Life is for Service’ is at the root of everything I do, from mentorship in the arts, volunteering at my local library, and even bringing smiles to the faces of others as I read aloud a poem that reflects the shared humanity of our mundane moments… In this time when the world is deeply fragmented and divided, recognizing and connecting with each other’s shared humanity is absolutely necessary.”
Closing your eyes at last, you can taste the sun.
Sweet and tangy like a mango past ripe,
The flavor of an adventure yet to come,
and good times that await you.
From the poem “Salik- the wayward traveler (for the monkey-god Hanuman)”
Five finalists were also selected to share their poetry in readings and public programs. The finalists are:
- Josie Bednar, 16, LASA High School
- Sterling Bradley, 18, McCallum High School
- Audrey Han, 17, Westlake High School
- Michelle Li, 17, Westwood High School
- Beatrix Lozach, 17, McCallum High School
“Our six poets have already achieved so many great things, both in school and out in the community — each application we received was highly impressive,” said Mariela Cifuentes, Programs Coordinator for The Library Foundation who served as one of the judges. “In an uncertain world, creativity is essential. I cannot wait to see and hear these young poets lead, energize, and inspire with their words.”
This year’s panel of judges also included Katrina Brooks, owner of Black Pearl Books; Amanda Johnston, Texas Poet Laureate; Jenny Miner, Youth Services Librarian at Austin Central Library; Bianca Perez, poet and professor at Texas State University; and Cecily Sailer, writer and founder of Typewriter Tarot.
During their term, Austin Youth Poet Laureates serve as a representative for youth voices in Austin, participating in public readings and programs. Their poetry is published in a chapbook and included in the National Youth Poet Laureate anthology.
Open to writers ages 13 to 18, the Austin Youth Laureate program is a joint initiative of The Library Foundation and the National Youth Poet Laureate Program. Additional support comes from the Austin Public Library.
