Arlington Found Its Next Artistic Leader

ARLINGTON ,MA — The town has named resident Thomas DeFreitas as the next Poet Laureate of Arlington.

DeFreitas will become the fifth laureate in the history of the town, as the position was first established in 2014. The laureate has the duty of advancing the interest in literary arts in the community and recognizing the achievements of residents.

The five-member Poet Laureate Committee selected DeFreitas due to his own works as well as his enthusiasm toward accepting a wide variety of artistic opinions. The Boston native has won numerous local awards for his poems. His works have appeared in four published books. He expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the newest Poet Laureate of Arlington.

“I am indebted to, and inspired by, the first four Poets Laureate for their energy, for their example, for their excellence,” DeFreitas said. “As with every previous laureate, I hope to be an eager and accessible catalyst for creativity in our community. Let's make poetry happen.”

Jean Flanagan is the current Poet Laureate, and her term will expire at the end of June. DeFreitas is slated to be sworn in on Wednesday, June 25 at Robbins Library at 7 p.m.