Madison Reporter

Madison East High School alumnus Justin Festge Russell has taken on the role of Madison's Youth Poet Laureate, driven by a passion for poetry and a strong connection to his community. The opportunity came about through the encouragement of a mentor, Sophia Snow, at UW-Madison.

Justin Festge Russell now focuses on inspiring high school students to express themselves creatively and take chances. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages young people, stating, “Honestly, the sky’s the limit. You can do anything you put your mind to."

In his role, Festge Russell engages with the community by sharing poetry and visiting classrooms. He is committed to education, pursuing it both as a field of study and through his active involvement as an educator. His stage name Jexizis is also known in local circles as he balances his work as a poet, hip-hop artist, and producer while studying at UW-Madison.

Festge Russell offers practical advice for aspiring poets, highlighting the value of recognizing one's worth and the supportive environment within the Madison community. He encourages students to apply for the Youth Poet Laureate program, emphasizing the importance of self-application and sharing one's talents with the world.

Applications for the Youth Poet Laureate program are open from April 1 to April 30, during National Poetry Month. Young poets aged 13 to 19 living in the City of Madison are invited to apply.