North Student Shares Work at Poet Laureate's Press Conference

Rockland County Poet Laureate Dan Masterson is in his 49th year as a professor at Rockland Community College, but he also works with writers at local high schools.

When it came time to choose one to share a poem at Thursday's press conference announcing Masterson's reappointment as Poet Laureate, Clarkstown North's Piera Licht was the choice. 

"I've read hundreds of poems. There is a lot of talent at the 11 schools all over this county," Masterson said. "Piera Licht is way up at the top of the ladder."

Licht sent Masterson the poem she planned to read in advance.

"They sent the poem to see what I thought. I didn't touch it," Masterson said, smiling. "I just said I'm anxious to hear her read it."

Licht said she wrote the poem while power was still out in her home due to Hurricane Sandy. She had just watched the movie "Hugo." The video of Licht reading her poem is attached to this report.