Fremont Student Wins National Literary Award

FREMONT, CA — A Fremont high schooler has been recognized nationally for her work as a writer, joining a network of other accomplished artists, according to a nonprofit foundation.

Anika Mangla, a senior at Irvington High School, was selected in November as a 2026 YoungArts winner.

"For me, the recognition affirmed that writing which grapples with identity, gender, culture, and difficult truths has a place in the broader literary conversation, even when it’s uncomfortable or deeply personal," Mangla told Patch.

Mangla is a poet whose work highlights political issues, activism and cultural silence, according to YoungArts, The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists. Her work examines how power, policy and voice shape lived experience, according to the nonprofit.

Her spoken word poetry draws from themes of lineage and girlhood to challenge systems that marginalize communities and to elevate stories often excluded from public discourse," according to the nonprofit. "Through performance and public-facing work, she uses language as a tool for civic engagement, believing poetry can influence dialogue and inspire collective action."

YoungArts is a nonprofit that "recognizes exceptional young talent across artistic disciplines and affirms their pursuit of a professional life in the arts" through its yearly awards.

Winners, such as Mangla, join a community of artists who receive creative and professional development support throughout their careers, in addition to financial support and mentorships.

"Being named a YoungArts Writing with Distinction winner was especially meaningful because of how selective and layered the process is," Mangla said. "YoungArts submissions are reviewed through multiple rounds by panels of accomplished writers, and only a small group of winners are selected nationally each year."

Mangla was also named the 2025 Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate and a 2025 International Slam Champion. She recently authored a new book titled "embers & flames" that will be available early January 2026.