What is Poetry Out Loud?
According to PoetryOutLoud.org: Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
Vestavia Hills High School Poetry Out Loud Competition is an excellent opportunity for all students, with great friendly competition and appreciation for the art of speaking. Last year, the overall winner was Rishab Samant with Natalie Turnage as the runner-up. Rishab and Natalie ended up going to the regional competition as the representatives for Vestavia!
Each POL competitor must choose a poem from the POL Anthology, a collection of poems spanning from centuries ago till just a year ago! This wide collection follows the whole array of emotions, and each competitor chooses a poem that they can identify with somehow.
This year’s winner was Sidney Grace Culwell, performing “Semi Splendid,” with runner up Dana Cheek, and second runner up Tina Gao.
Along with the National Anthology Competition, there is also an original poetry section, in which Dana Cheek won with her original poem, “Ode to Writer’s Block.”
There was also a social commentary original poem category, and James Harden was our winner who will be moving onto regionals!
Each competitor reported having an amazing time, and making great memories with new people! One returning competitor noted, “it was really great to be back with such a great group of people that are interested in poetry!” Another newcomer stated, “it was a really great time and I will definitely be back next year!”
On the larger scale competitions, POL.org reports, Each winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to Washington, DC, to compete at the National Finals. The state winner’s school/organization receives $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up in each state receives $100, with $200 for their school/organization. At the national finals, a total of $50,000 in awards and school/organizational stipends are awarded annually including a $20,000 award for the National Champion, $10,000 for 2nd place, $5,000 for 3rd place, and $1,000 for 4th-12th places. The representing schools/organizations of each of the top 12 finalists receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.
The annual Poetry Out Loud Competition is definitely one to look forward to, and an amazing opportunity for all students with a love for speaking, reading, poetry, or just an interest in meeting new people and forming community through poetry!
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