Agneta named Wolverhampton Youth Poet Laureate

On Saturday 1st February 2025, SWB Academy were excited  to be invited to Wolverhampton’s City Library to be part of the city’s LitFest 2025

As two of only three city finalists, Year 10 students Esha Lal and Agneta Krieva performed their own penned poems with the title ‘Life is better with Friends’ in search for Wolverhampton’s Youth Poet Laureate. 

Whilst both entities showed creative flair, we are thrilled to announce that Agneta Krieva was awarded the prestigious title of Wolverhampton’s Youth Poet Laureate 2025. 

Here is Esha’s finalist poem:

Friendship isn’t always light—

It’s forged in shadow, born in fight.

A delicate thread, it frays, it tears,

Yet mends itself through whispered prayers.

In tempests fierce, when hearts grow cold,

It stands, though battered, bent, and bold.

Like branches bowing in the wind,

It bends, but never dares to end.

There are moments when silence screams,

And distance steals the brightest dreams.

Yet through the dark, a hand will rise,

A friend who sees through every disguise.

They catch the tears before they fall,

They hold you close when shadows call.

Like fire that warms in deepest snow,

They light the path when you’re hollow.

In laughter’s roar or aching cries,

They guard your heart, they fight your lies.

And though the world may pull apart,

They anchor hope within your heart.

For friends are shields, unyielding, strong—

A sacred bond where souls belong.

And though life’s waves may break and bend,

In friendship’s grace, we always mend.

It is the pulse beneath your skin,

The voice that whispers, “Here, begin.”

Though fragile at its weakest seams,

In friends, we find our greatest dreams.

And here is Agneta’s winning poem:

In the garden where laughter blooms, 

Where sunshine spills and joyful tunes, 

There dances a bond, a sacred blend, 

A treasure more precious—oh, life is better with friends.

Through the shadows and the light, 

In moments of joy and in times of fright, 

We share our dreams, our secrets, our fears, 

Wiping away each other’s tears.

Like stars that sprinkle the evening sky, 

Together we shine, we reach and we fly. 

With hands held tight, we conquer the miles, 

Transforming the mundane into endless smiles.

In whispered tales and silly dances, 

In knowing glances and second chances, 

We build our stories, page by page, 

Creating a legacy, a shared stage.

When storms arise and tempests roar, 

It’s friendship’s anchor that keeps us ashore. 

In the warmth of a hug or a simple text, 

We find our solace; we feel truly blessed.

So, here’s to the moments, both big and small, 

To late-night talks and the rise after a fall. 

Let’s toast to the laughter, the love, and the bends.

For life is a journey, and it’s better with friends.

We look forward to reading more commissioned poetry from her in the future.

Dan Mason, Principal at Ormiston SWB Academy, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to see the hard work and creativity of our students recognised on such a prestigious platform. Agneta and Esha have demonstrated exceptional literary skill, and their success highlights the amazing literary talent emerging from our academy. We are especially proud of Agneta for earning the title of Youth Poet Laureate and look forward to seeing the impact she makes in her role.

“Our whole school community is committed to nurturing young writers and encouraging our students to pursue their passions beyond the classroom, as they develop invaluable skills for their future careers and as creative contributors to society. I have no doubt we will continue to see excellent young talent emerge at SWB!”