Local Oakton Teen Named National Student Poet

The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, announced over the weekend the 2nd annual class of 5 teen poets for the National Student Poets Program, the nation’s highest honor for young poets. They each represent a different part of the country – one from Vienna, VA, and each will be tasked with serving a year as literary ambassadors during which time they will share their work and engage audiences of all ages in the art of poetry. By doing so, these poets will demonstrate the essential role of writing and the arts in academic and personal success. Aline Dolinh, a sophomore at Oakton High School in Vienna, is the new National Student Poet for the Southeast United States region.

Aline, 15, is a first generation Vietnamese American with a vivid imagination for all things science fiction. For as long as she can remember, Aline has been writing poetry, often exploring her favorite topics such as romance, history and the possibility of time travel. While some of her poetry is based on her own personal experiences or her family, she often finds inspiration from her favorite sci-fi adventures. Aline participates in her school’s debate team and Model United Nations and enjoys sewing. This year, she will be joining the editorial team at a yearly poetry publication. Her fellow National Student Poets are Sojourner Ahebee, Michaela Coplen, Nathan Cummings and Louis Lafair.

Aline and her fellow poets will participate in readings and workshops at libraries, museums and schools in their various states, as well as create community service projects to expand their reach while increasing engagement in the literary arts. Each National Student Poet will receive an academic award of $5,000, funded by the Bernstein Family Foundation, and serve as a resource for the U.S. Department of Education and the Library of Congress. Students in grades 9–11 who are interested in becoming National Student Poets can submit their work to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards throughout the fall. In the spring of 2014, the National Award winners in Poetry will then be eligible for the Program. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards call for submissions is now open. Apply here!