Maine high schools are invited to register for Poetry Out Loud, a nationwide program that encourages youth to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation while helping students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about their literary heritage.
In addition to providing a meaningful educational experience of poetry in written and spoken form, prizes are awarded to successful students and schools at the state and national level, including a $20,000 scholarship awarded to the national champion.
Schools must register by Nov. 6 to participate in the competition.
Poetry Out Loud is organized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation and administered at the State level by the Maine Arts Commission. Last year almost 10,000 students and more than 230 teachers from 50 public and private high schools across Maine participated in Poetry Out Loud. Click here to view a short video highlighting the 2015 Poetry Out Loud Maine State Finals.
Click here for the invitation (including a timeline) to participate in Poetry Out Loud during this school year.
For additional questions please contact the Director of Arts Education at the Maine Arts Commission Argy Nestor at argy.nestor@maine.gov.