BETHEL — Inaugural poet Richard Blanco is helping Maine’s Gould Academy show that there’s more to the prep school than ski programs.

The Bethel resident this week will announce a visiting writers program in his name. Over a two-week retreat, writers will stay in a private cottage owned by Blanco where they can work on their craft. They’ll also engage with students and faculty through classroom visits and workshops.

The announcement is set for Thursday at the college prep school that’s known for its ski programs.

Blanco drew wide praise for his poem, “One Today,” that paid homage to the American experience during President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. The son of Cuban exiles, he grew up in New York City and Miami, and moved to western Maine several years ago.


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