20-year old Bernadette Tilei of American Samoa has been nominated as a Poet of the Year and will be reciting her poem, "My Bravest Knight," at the 2005 International Society of Poets Summer Convention and Symposium in Washington later this month
During the Convention she will be formally inducted as an International Poet of Merit and an Honored Member of the International Society of Poets for 2005-2006
She will be escorted by her father, Department Public Works director Taeaotui Punaofo Tilei who was the inspiration for her winning poem.
In addition to her induction into the Society, Bernadette Tilei will also be honored with two separate special awards for her poetic achievement, the "Outstanding Achievement in Poetry" silver bowl award and a Commemorative Award Medallion.
