This Thursday, local high school students will take the stage at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno for the Washoe County Poetry Out Loud Recitation Competition from 5 to 8 p.m. The district finalist will compete for the state champion title, at KNPB Public Television in Reno at noon, Saturday, March 19. Both events are free and the public is welcome.
Community members can also follow the Poetry Out Loud events on social media using #iampoetryoutloud.
Currently in its 11th year, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education initiative that encourages students to learn about, memorize, and finally present poetry — out loud.
Poetry Out Loud begins in classrooms across the state with high school students practicing their public speaking skills, while learning about classic and contemporary poetry. Students then advance from their school to district competitions and then to the Nevada State Finals, where the winner receives $1,000 and his or her school receives $1,000 for poetry and literary programs. Second and third place winners each receive $500 and $500 for their schools.
The state champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals on May 2 – 4 in Washington, D.C., where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.
For details on the Nevada State Finals and the Poetry Out Loud Program, contact Maryjane Dorofachuk, Nevada Arts Council arts learning coordinator, at (702) 486-3738 or [email protected]; or visit the website.
