Meet Evan Wang, he might strike you as soft-spoken, but once you hear his words, whether through poetry or conversation, you realize the depth of his power. A first-generation student and the son of immigrants, Evan will enter Harvard University this fall with a dual concentration in biology and creative writing. But behind that impressive resume is a story of self-discovery, advocacy, and transformation, one that reminds us why Alexander Hamilton Scholars exists. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Evan often felt alone in his artistic journey. “There were no writing mentors or creative spaces in my community,” he says. “I had to create them.” And he did, starting local arts programs and establishing the first-ever Youth Poet Laureate Program in his county. What began as an outlet for personal expression grew into a platform for community empowerment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Evan responded to anti-Asian hate by writing a powerful six-minute poem titled The Blood We Inherit, The Blood We Spill. The poem inspired a district-wide cultural event and helped him realize the unifying force of art. That moment became a turning point: “I saw that my voice mattered, not just for me, but for others.”
But like many Hamilton Scholars, Evan’s path wasn’t easy. Coming from a family that didn’t always understand or support his creative pursuits, he had to learn how to define his future on his own terms. “Just because your family or circumstances are a certain way doesn’t mean your future has to be,” Evan shared. “You can write your own story.”
In 2025, Evan’s voice was recognized on a national level when he was named the National Youth Poet Laureate, becoming the first male recipient in the program’s history. “I remember watching Amanda Gorman at the inauguration during quarantine,” he recalls. “To go from that moment to this, it’s surreal.”
Evan credits Alexander Hamilton Scholars for helping him feel seen and supported throughout the college application process. “AHS gave me a community when I needed one most,” he says. “Whether it was editing essays, navigating financial aid, or just talking through stress, I always had someone to turn to.” This support helped Evan thrive, and it continues to lift up hundreds of students just like him.
Evan’s story shows what can happen when young leaders are empowered to dream big and take action. But programs like ours can only continue with the generosity of our community.
