by Jeanni Ritchie
Poetry Out Loud is an arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high school students in grades 9th – 12th across the country.
As both a poet and former Arts in Ed director, I think this is a fabulous program. Not only does it foster creativity, it helps students develop vital public speaking skills. The poetry in itself, even if left unshared, can be instrumental in the process of navigating complex relationships and facing difficult challenges for young people.
But what an incentive to share your work!
Local competition winners will be able to compete in the Regional Competition February 13, 2025, in Alexandria on the Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre hosted by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Regional winners will receive $125 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place. First and second place regional winners will then have a chance to compete at the State Championship on March 13, 2025, at the Delta Grand Theatre in Opelousas, Louisiana.
The winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to Washington, DC, to compete at the National Finals for a chance to win $20,000! The state winner’s representing school or organization will receive $500 for poetry materials. One runner-up in each state will receive $100; their school/organization will receive $200 for the purchase of poetry materials.
High school Speech and English teachers, club sponsors, and arts educators can host in-school or in-class competitions to select students to advance to Regionals. Email me if you need a judge. I’ll be happy to stop by and promote the arts in your school.
Unless you think I could pull a Josie Geller (Never Been Kissed) and go undercover as a high school student to try and win that trip to DC myself!
For more information contact Alyssa, the Region 6 Arts Council Representative at (318) 484-4471 or email alyssa@louisiana-arts.org.