Teens With a Purpose Launches the Hampton Roads & Virginia Youth Poet Laureates and Ambassadors: Honoring Powerful Young Voices from Across the Commonwealth

Norfolk, VA — Teens With a Purpose (TWP) is proud to announce the 2026 Hampton Roads and Virginia Youth Poet Laureates (YPL). These young poets are change-makers who have demonstrated their poetic prowess and their strong commitment to civic and social advancement.

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About the Virginia Youth Poet Laureate Program

The Hampton Roads & Virginia YPL Program is part of a national initiative that identifies and supports young writers and leaders committed to artistic excellence, civic engagement, and youth empowerment. Teens With a Purpose is the  licensed organization representing the Hampton Roads and Virginia YPL programs. 

The winners have the opportunity to apply to be the next North-Eastern Regional Youth Poet Laureate and ultimately National Youth Poet Laureate, the title held once by Amanda Gorman, Presidential Laureate for the inauguration of President Joe Biden.  They win cash prizes and may be invited to perform and be heard throughout the country or globally.

The Virginia Youth Poet Laureate Program, is supported by Urban Word, founder of the National Youth Poet Laureate program.   TWP  is also a  member of the YPLs founding cohort formed in 2013.  Teens With a Purpose’s YPL program  identifies, supports and helps to cultivate young writers who are committed to civic engagement, artistic excellence, and youth leadership. These young laureates serve as cultural ambassadors for their cities and the state, using poetry to drive social change.

Meet the 2025 Virginia Youth Poet Laureate

Doran Glass III is a college freshman at Hampden-Sydney College, Maury High School Class of 2024 and lifelong community leader. From a young age, he immersed himself in civic engagement—organizing against harmful legislation, advocating for community resources, and mentoring youth through poetry and public service. As a peer leader with Teens With a Purpose, Doran facilitated workshops in public schools, encouraging self-expression through spoken word. Now serving in his college’s Office of Culture and Inclusion, Doran leads equity trainings, mentors local students, and continues building platforms that amplify marginalized voices. He mentors high school  and  elementary school students in the Prince Edward County Public School system. As the Social Chair for Hampden-Sydney College Minority Student Union, he organizes events that promote inclusion and visibility. His poetry serves as both a call to action and a bridge to healing. In addition,  Doran Glass III the Norfolk Youth Poet Laureate for 2025. 

Meet the 2025 Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate

BreAnna “Verity” Downing is a 17-year-old senior at Deep Creek High School. Verity discovered her poetic voice at the age of 8, inspired by her mother, a published poet. Her journey deepened in ninth grade when she joined TWP and began merging her passions for songwriting and poetry. Verity has received multiple Move Maker Awards and has represented Hampton Roads Youth Poets on national stages like Brave New Voices, where she was honored with the Spirit of the Slam Award. Poetry is her sanctuary—a way to speak when the world goes silent. Verity says “ Poetry is our reminder that joy is a radical act of resistance to oppression.  Don’t forget to use the power of your poetry to cultivate self love too”.

2025 Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors

Joining Doran Glass III in leadership and advocacy are the 2025 Virginia Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors:

• David Davenport (City of Suffolk) is a student leader, poet, and advocate for education and civic engagement. With a string of academic honors and published works, David uses his voice to illuminate justice, AI accountability, and leadership. His accolades include the Jefferson Book Award and top honors from the Virginia Municipal League and Virginia Poetry Society. David also engages in student leadership as the Student Government Association Senior Representative at Nansemond River High School.

• Jasmine Louis (City of Roanoke) is a student at Mary Baldwin University, where she excels as an athlete, a cadet in the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership, and honors society member. Founder of her high school’s Cultural Fair, Jasmine has published poetry collections and children’s books, and brings a thoughtful, inclusive perspective to every performance and project.

• Crucifisso Cerja (City of Virginia Beach) is a high-achieving student, debater, and cultural leader. As the Congressional Debate Captain at Kellam High School and Youth Ambassador for the VBCPS Equity Council, Crussifo blends critical thinking with artful expression. He uses poetry and leadership to challenge inequity and uplift underrepresented communities, especially within his Filipino heritage.

Joining BreAnna “Verity” Downing in leadership and advocacy are the 2025 Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors:

• Shy’Heaven Riddick, representing the City of Norfolk, Lake Taylor High School Class of 2028.  Her journey with TWP began after being inspired by her older brother, a TWP alumni, and with the  support of  her mother. Through poetry, she has found healing, purpose, and strength to speak up for young people who are mis-gendered as well as speaking out against violence and any other forms of injustices. Her advocacy work has taken her to the State Capital several times to speak poetically and personally to the Delegates and Senator about the serious need for a clean, healthy environment and to address the need for much stronger gun safety laws.  Shy’Heaven knows too well the ripple effects that unresourced communities experience due to  gun violence and environmental injustice.

• Gemma Zapiecki, representing the City of Portsmouth, brings dedication and compassion to her work, both as a poet and a volunteer. Her experience ranges from animal care to event organizing and fundraising. Known for her honesty and reliability, Gemma is passionate about making a difference through service and storytelling. Churchland High School Class of 2027.

• Jameil Killebrew, representing the City of Chesapeake, is a passionate 17-year-old artist and junior at Indian River High School. An active theatre performer and advocate, Jameil uses his poetry and music to amplify messages around racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and equality. He plans to release music and publish his poetry, creating relatable art that resonates with youth navigating difficult experiences.

These exceptional young leaders will serve as ambassadors using their platforms to engage peers, address community issues, and inspire positive change across Hampton Roads and Virginia