Inducted: 2010
Lakeland Senior High Graduate,
Dr. JoAnn Balingit is the state of Delaware's 16th poet laureate, appointed by former Delaware governor Ruth Ann Minner in May 2008. As poetry ambassador for the state, she promotes the art of poetry throughout Delaware. She is involved with students at all levels in the state's Poets in the Schools program and works with other poets to develop their skills and promote their work. Her work has been published in periodicals and anthologies and her poetry book, 'Your Heart and How It Works' was nominated for a 2004 Pushcart Prize, a national awards program that recognizes literary work.