WORCESTER, Mass. – City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Monday the appointments of the next City of Worcester Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, which serve as official ambassadors for the city’s historic and vibrant culture of poetry and literature.

After a competitive selection process, distinguished poet and community advocate Nicole “Nic” Jean Turner has been selected as Worcester’s next Poet Laureate. She will serve from January 2026 to December 2028. Samara Tang-Rainwater, a freshman at Doherty Memorial High School, will serve as the Youth Poet Laureate from January 2026 to December 2027.

Turner and Tang-Rainwater will be presented with ceremonial medals created by local metal artist Pam Farren and will deliver their first official readings during the City of Worcester’s Inaugural Exercises and Celebration on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Doherty Memorial High School.

Deeply embedded in the poetry community, Turner has become a standout in not only Worcester’s poetry scene but also New England. As an organizer and participant of the longest running independent poetry series, The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show, Turner has been uplifting emerging voices through performance, mentorship, and innovative programming. Her leadership and impact have earned formal recognition, including an Iron Poet Championship title, a gold medal in the Massachusetts Poetry Olympics, and a nomination for the City of Worcester 2025 Woman of Consequence. In 2024, Turner founded The Roadshow, a rotating poetry team designed to break down barriers to participate in competitive poetry.

Turner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Fine Art, and Creative Writing from Le Moyne College, and a Master of Arts in Professional Writing from Regis College. Turner is the author of With Only Which She Could Carry (UWA, 2020) and has been published every year since 2012 in newspapers, literary journals, and anthologies.

“I’m passionate about building sustainable, inclusive spaces where poets can grow,” said Turner. “My mission is to study the mechanics of community and to offer mentorship to poets of all ages, ensuring that everyone has a place to discover their voice.”

A proud Worcester native, Tang-Rainwater has been exploring the arts from a young age, starting with drawing and music before discovering a passion for writing. She now writes poems, stories, and songs and plays the trombone, cymbals, and piano. Tang-Rainwater aims to bring diversity, honesty, and encouragement to her work, inspiring fellow young poets and promoting a love of writing across Worcester’s multicultural communities.

“I love the diversity in Worcester,” said Tang-Rainwater. “Hearing different perspectives and experiences has kept me deeply connected to this city.”

Looking ahead to her two-year term, Tang-Rainwater says she hopes to “grow as a person, grow in integrity and intelligence, and connect with people across the community.”

“The City of Worcester extends its heartfelt thanks to outgoing Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz (2023-2025) and Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson (2024-2025) for their remarkable service and artistic leadership,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “Throughout their terms, they have both brought poetry to life across the community performing at schools, libraries, festivals, and civic events creating meaningful connections with residents of all ages. Their performances and workshops elevated local voices, inspired emerging writers, and fostered a greater appreciation for the literary arts throughout Worcester. We are truly grateful for their creativity, dedication, and lasting contributions to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

The objectives of the City of Worcester’s Poet Laureate Programs are to:

Enhance the presence and appreciation of poetry and literary arts in Greater Worcester.
Celebrate the spirit of the people and special qualities of Worcester, the City of Innovation.
Raise awareness of the power of literature, poetry, and the spoken word.
Provide a forum for collaborative art forms.
Engage and support an emerging generation of poets and spoken word artists.
Provide access to poetry and literary arts to all sectors of the community.
Encourage the reading and writing of both poetry and the written word.
To learn more about the Poets Laureate program visit http://www.worcesterma.gov/cultural-development/poet. Poets Laureate are available for bookings and appearances through the Worcester Poets Laureate Appearance Request Form. This process provides a direct and efficient way for schools, organizations and community groups to engage with Worcester’s literary community, and benefit from the creativity and cultural enrichment these artists bring to the city.