Washougal wordsmith Susan Dingle has just been crowned as the new Clark County Poet Laureate, a position she'll hold through 2026. Dingle, whose ink will grace the county's literary landscape, officially started her reign April 1. The Clark County Arts Commission, who pinned the title on her, announced they're looking to her to champion the cause of poetry and literature throughout the area.
Her initiation into the role involved a quaint torch-passing, or rather, pen-passing celebration in March. Dingle's predecessor, Armin Tolentino had the honor of presenting her with a traditional laurel wreath, a nod to the ancient symbol of a poet's recognition. This symbolic gesture was not just about handing over duties, but rather a lineage of words, a lineage now resting on Dingle's poised shoulders.
The ceremony might have had its pomp, but Dingle's credentials are anything but ceremonial. She's a University of Illinois at Chicago alum, wielding a master's degree in creative writing. Her poetry has found its way into several periodicals, and she has birthed two books into the literary world: "In Pilgram Drag," courtesy of Finishing Line Press, and "Parting Gifts," published by Local Gems. Dingle's also a seasoned warrior in the social work domain, owning a master's from SUNY Stony Brook University and licensure as a clinical social worker, and alcohol and substance abuse counselor.
Now calling Clark County home, Dingle is no stranger to stoking the fires of poetry. She runs Poetry Street PNW, a monthly open mic spectacle at the Camas Library, and has wielded her expertise in poetry workshops at the Attic Gallery and Discover Recovery, both local Camas hotspots. Her influence isn't just bound to these workshops and open mics, her roots run deep back in Riverhead, New York, where she co-conceived Poetry Street. The project was a beacon for diversity and inclusion in a community marred by historical segregation.
Her efforts in Riverhead weren't just whispers in the wind. Dingle was honored with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Meritorious Award from the First Baptist Church in Riverhead. Her impact also resonated with the Town of Riverhead's recognition. Unsurprisingly, her goals reflect her actions. "My mission is to bring the community to poetry and poetry to the community, benefitting the community by fostering diversity," Dingle told Clark County Arts.
