The Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Series supports the mission of the North Carolina Poetry Society to foster the reading, writing, and enjoyment of poetry across the state. Three Distinguished Poets from the East, Central, and West of North Carolina mentor a middle-school, a high-school, a college or university student, and an adult within their respective regions. This year's poets were:
Amya Brown
Hailey Long
Jude McDonald
Kelsey Weimar
Gideon Young (Distinguished Poet)
Akram Batikh
Jay Bryan
Zinnia Wildflower
Vedika Zope
Maria Rouphail (Distinguished Poet)
Lola Hensley
Abigail LeCureux
Lauren Mills
Mark Spicknall
Mildred K Barya (Distinguished Poet), north, carolina, poetry, witness, 2025, society, Kelly Jones| | 103PAGES