WATERVILLE – As Poetry Out Loud celebrates its 20th anniversary, Maine’s most talented high school students will take the stage at the Poetry Out Loud state finals on March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Waterville Opera House. This milestone year honors two decades of inspiring students across the country to explore poetry through recitation, building confidence, public speaking skills, and a lifelong appreciation for literature.
Poetry Out Loud — a national program presented in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Humanities Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation — has engaged more than 4.4 million students nationwide since its inception in 2005. Participants select and recite works from a curated anthology of over 1,200 poems, using their voices and interpretations to bring powerful works to life.
This year, 11 outstanding student poets from across Maine have advanced through school and regional competitions to compete for the state title. They are:
- Lilah Chibuye – Brewer High School
- Pendo Dawe – Maine Coast Waldorf School
- Aspen Gauthier – Oak Hill High School
- Willow Knowles – Kennebunk High School
- Rose Lehane-Tureen – Cheverus High School
- Stella Martinelli – Erskine Academy
- Abigail McCrillis – Gorham High School
- Mercedes Plaud – Representing Northern Maine
- Lyra Ricciardone – Morse High School
- Aaron Soosman – Carrabec High School
- Isaac Wright – Mt. Ararat High School
The Maine State Champion will receive a $200 prize and advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., where they will compete for $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends. The state champion’s school will receive $500 to support poetry materials, while the first runner-up will be awarded $100, with $200 for their school. The Poetry Foundation administers all monetary prizes and travel arrangements for national finalists.
This free and public event will also be livestreamed by Portland Media Center on the Maine Arts Commission Facebook page, with a final produced broadcast available later in the year.
The 20th-anniversary celebration of Poetry Out Loud continues on April 4 at 1 p.m. with a special Poetry Out Loud event at the Hall of Flags in the Maine State House. This gathering will honor all student participants, educators, and supporters who have contributed to the program’s success over the years. Attendees will experience recitations from finalists and hear reflections on how Poetry Out Loud has impacted students across Maine and beyond.
For two decades, Poetry Out Loud has empowered young voices, connected communities, and kept the spoken word tradition alive. Join us in Waterville or tune in online to witness the next generation of poets take the stage and celebrate the lasting impact of poetry in Maine.
For more information, visit PoetryOutLoud.org or contact the Maine Arts Commission.
The Maine Arts Commission fosters and encourages public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and artistic expression in our state. We pursue our mission through partnerships and collaborations, initiatives, advocacy, and grants for organizations, individual artists, communities, and schools throughout Maine.
