Gulliver Prep junior Matthew Anthony Bartel ’27 has been named the 2025 Florida Youth Poet Laureate, the highest literary honor awarded to a young person in the state. This statewide recognition celebrates Matthew’s poetic excellence, academic achievement, and civic engagement—honoring his ability to inspire through the power of language.
Selected from a competitive field of nearly 1,500 applicants across Florida, Matthew’s work stood out for its depth, originality, and vision. Earlier this year, he was named the Southeast Florida Regional Finalist before advancing to the statewide round and ultimately being chosen as the sole laureate for the entire state. His portfolio of work was reviewed by a panel of esteemed and award-winning poets, editors, educators, and school leaders.
As Florida Youth Poet Laureate, Matthew will serve as the state’s official youth literary ambassador. His appointment includes publication in the Florida Youth Poet Laureate Anthology, invitations to perform at cultural and civic events, appearances to present before the Governor and Florida Legislature, and mentorship and professional development opportunities in creative leadership. He will also represent Florida in the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, a platform that has launched the careers of young poets who have spoken at presidential inaugurations, the United Nations, and global summits, and whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and other preeminent publications.
“Matthew’s recognition as Florida’s Youth Poet Laureate is a testament to the power of hard work and creative expression. He exemplifies the type of student we strive to nurture at Gulliver: learners who are curious about the world, seek challenge, and find joy in intellectual and artistic pursuits. We are immensely proud of Matthew’s achievement and are thrilled that he will have the opportunity to engage with and influence young writers across the state and nation,” said Gulliver President Simon Hess. “Beyond this recognition, Matthew stands out for the depth of his thought, the originality of his imagination, and his commitment to using his work as a means of inquiry and connection.”
A Gulliver lifer, Matthew is known for his wide-ranging curiosity and creativity and positive, collaborative spirit among his peers. His passions span science and technology as well as the literary and musical arts—disciplines he approaches with the same spirit of exploration and imagination. In addition to his literary achievements, he is an accomplished songwriter and guitarist who performs in several local bands, blending poetic storytelling with rhythm and sound. His artistry bridges page and stage, uniting the written and musical word.
“Whether I’m writing a song melody, lyrics, or a poem,” Matthew said, “I’m chasing the same thing—a feeling that connects and impacts people. Poetry and music are just two ways of saying what words alone can’t.”
For Matthew, writing is more than art—it’s a way to manifest expression and inspire reflection. His work explores identity, belonging, and the shared experiences that unite communities. Through this honor, he hopes to encourage his peers to find their voices, embrace creativity, and use their own perspectives to create change. His accomplishment captures the essence of what it means to achieve with both heart and intellect. It reflects a balance of knowledge, creativity, and character—the kind of whole success that prepares Gulliver students to lead with confidence, act with purpose, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.
