FORT BEND ISD (January 13, 2026) – Dulles High School senior Nakshatra Kothapalli was named one of the Top 15 Foyle Young Poets of the Year for 2025. She was selected from more than 28,300 submissions worldwide and is one of only two honorees from the United States.

Kothapalli received the award for her poem Lockdown Lotto, which reflects on the realities of gun violence in schools. Her work will be featured in a special printed anthology set to be released in spring 2026.

Top 15 honorees are invited to participate in a fully funded, weeklong residential mentorship at The Hurst. The program includes writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions with professional poets, and opportunities for collaborative work with peers. They also receive a one-year membership with The Poetry Society, a curated selection of books and gifts, and additional opportunities for publication and performance.