Each year, the Board of Trustees selects a notable poet as the WWBA Poet of the Year.  They are a nationally known and well-respected poet who champions poetry through their writing, teaching, and support of the Long Island community of poets and their events.

2019 J R Turek
2018 Barbara Reiher-Meyers

2017 Tammy Jean Nuzzo-Morgan 
2016 Gayl Teller
2015 Graham Everett
2014 Annabelle Moseley
2013 Fran Castan
2012 Mario Susko
2011 Pramila Venkatswaren
2010 Gladys Henderson
2009 Patti Tana
2008 Susan Astor
2007 Vince Clemente
2006 Charles Fishman
2005 Claire Nicolas White
2004 Ray Patterson
2003 Maxwell Wheat, Jr.
2003 Siv Cedering
2002 Dan Murray
2002 Norbert Krapf