Prince William’s first Poets Laureate retire, recap success

Prince William County’s first Poets Laurate are about to hang up to their hats to make way for a new ambassador for the arts.

Dr. Robert Scott and Zan Hailey were selected as co-Poet Laureates in 2014.

Scott collects 10,000 poems

Scott’s spent his time time in the role working with Prince William County school students from grades kindergarten through 12th grade. His primary focus has been collecting poems for his “10,000 Poems” project.

Through this project, he hopes to inspire not only teachers and other writers but also students, friends, and family members to submit their poetry. Thus far Scott has collected around 3000 poems for his project. He plans to see the project through until all 10,000 poems have been collected.

“I’ve been fortunate to present poetry classes for students from grades K—12, and have offered a number of sessions for college students and adults,” he said.

Beginning in June of 2014, Scott began teaching poetry classes, conducting slam poetry sessions, and readings of his poetry. He has visited local elementary schools such as Lake Ridge and Bristow Run elementary schools to host poetry writing sessions, readings, preparation for reading and writing tests, and hosting family literacy nights.

During a visit to Patriot High School, Scott led a day-long creative writing session with author Carine McCandless. The duo spent the day providing guidance for students through creative writing projects, short stories, poetry, and novels. He was also invited to be a guest presenter at the North region conference for Virginia Library Association.

Hailey works to improve childrens writing

Zan Hailey as been just as active since being named co-laureate in 2014. She has chosen to focus on adults and children through a her free seminar called “Ekphrastisize That.”

During these seminars, she motivates students to listen tentatively to a sample of letters written by painter Vincent Van Gogh wrote to his younger brother, Theo. She then puts emphasis on certain words that describe important ideals. Using these words students are to compose poems. Their poems are then translated into paintings the side of a large index card so they can explore themes and other aspects of the verse.

“Although students may not consider themselves talented at more than one art form, such as writing and painting, stretching their creative muscles pays off,” said Hailey. “A lot of times, students surprise themselves with what they can produce.”

Hailey shared her program with a nonprofit organization called Northern Virginia Writing Project, whose primary goal is to help children and adults improve their writing. Multiple workshops have been conducted by Hailey on the George Mason University campus and for the Psychology of Creativity at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Her poems have been shared at the Poetry and Jazz Festival at Lakside Tacketts Mill in Lake Ridge. She has also participated in the Panel Discussion and Poetry Reading at the “In Company of Laureates” event.
Hailey has also served as a poetry judge for the Virginia Writers
Club Golden Nib Contest.

This year Hailey plans to teach “Ekphrastisize That!” workshops through the creative writing program at Woodbridge Senior High School and Signal Hill Elementary School.

How the next Poet Laureate will be chosen

The Prince William County Arts Council is in search of its next Poet Laureate to take the place of Scott and Hailey.

As the Prince William Poet Laureate, expectations include raising awareness of poetry as well as increase appreciation of poetry through paving a strong connection between poetry and the community.

Laureates are expected to serve for two years and will receive an annual payment of $500 from the Prince William County Arts Council. Participation in selected gatherings around Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park are also expected.

Nominations for the 2016 Prince William Poet Laureate will be accepted until May 14. The nomination packet can be found on the Prince William Art Council website.

The Selection Panel’s choice for the new Laureate is expected to be announced on Saturday, June 18th by Guy Lambert of WPGC-FM. Lambert will broadcast live from the Prince William County Art Council’s “SummerFest.” This event will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Tackett’s Mill Lakeside.