The Lake Placid Poetry Trail was formally introduced Saturday, April 25, during an unveiling event held at the Lake Placid Women’s Club facility downtown. The project, a collaboration between the GFWC Lake Placid Women’s Club and the Legacy Foundation, places student-written poetry in public spaces throughout town, with installations planned at murals throughout town.
The first poem unveiled was written by Aydon Gonzales, an eighth-grade student at Crane Brook Academy. His poem, “Where We Can Go,” is now displayed on a permanent outdoor sign. Each poem includes a QR code that sends visitors to a recording of the students reading their work.
The Poetry Trail was developed through a student poetry contest open to Lake Placid students in grades 3 through 12. More than 120 poems were submitted. Two independent judges selected the poems chosen for the displays.
Students recognized as 2026 winners include:
- Mylani Treadwell, 4th grade, Crane Brook Academics
- Leitryn Sartori, 5th grade, Crane Brook Academics
- Liam Kole, 6th grade, Crane Brook Academics
- Daniel Brumley, 7th grade, Crane Brook Academics
- Aydon Gonzales, 8th grade, Crane Brook Academics
- Narissa Walker, 9th grade, Lake Placid High School
- Timothy Koontz, 10th grade, Lake Placid High School
- Ayva Carlini-Smith, 11th grade, Lake Placid High School
Each student was introduced during the event as part of the unveiling program.
The project is expected to expand over time as additional locations become available and new student work is selected. Initial installations are limited, with additional placements planned in future phases. The poems are being installed near existing murals throughout town. Businesses are being asked to partner by allowing a post to be placed near the mural on their building. Businesses may also sponsor the fabrication and installation of the sign for $200, with recognition included on the installation. Anyone nterested in participating can contact Kathy Sorenson at 863-243-1025 for more information.
