“The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.1”

Each Spring literary art students from around the U.S. prepare for Poetry Out Loud. In mid-March the students perform at a regional and state level. Those who qualify then move to the national round in the beginning of May. Although the LCHS students do not participate in an official capacity, Poetry Out Loud encourages schools to host their own in-house, unofficial program. After the Speech and Drama class performed Cafe Murder, the students moved into the Poetry portion of the course.

Students are to choose poems from the printed Poetry Out Loud anthology or use the online anthology. Only poems from these two sources are acceptable. Once the poetry is selected, the participating student must memorize the poem and then deliver it during the competition. The students are given scores for their physical presence, voice and articulation, evidence of understanding, dramatic appropriateness, accuracy, and overall performance.

On Tuesday, the LCHS participating students delivered their poems to the student body. Each student memorized and delivered two poems. Of our seven participating dorm students, two of them received awards: third place to Jackie and second place to Aleyna!! We were proud of all the contestants; it isn’t easy to memorize a poem and deliver it before one’s peers. Well done!

Sources:
1. http://www.poetryoutloud.org/