Celebrating the power of poetry: Join us for the Maine Poetry Celebration Day on April 5
WATERVILLE – In a stunning showcase of talent, Pendo Dawe of Maine Coast Waldorf School was named the 2025 Maine Poetry Out Loud State Champion at the 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud on March 3 at the Waterville Opera House. Competing against ten of Maine’s most skilled high school reciters, Dawe captivated the judges and audience alike with her powerful and deeply felt performances, earning her the opportunity to represent Maine at the National Poetry Out Loud competition in Washington, D.C. on May 5.
“This year’s Poetry Out Loud competition featured a range of remarkable students who, with the unwavering support of their teachers, schools, friends, and families, poured months of dedication, grace and grit into their recitations,” said Amy Hausmann, executive director of the Maine Arts Commission. “Their courage, passion and artistry move and inspired us. We know that creativity builds connection, and poetry helps us understand and shape our own stories — to be seen, to be heard, to make sense of the world around us. We congratulate all the competitors and wish Pendo luck in Washington D.C.”
Dawe: A rising star in poetry recitation
Reflecting on her journey through Poetry Out Loud, Dawe shared how the experience has changed the way she sees the world:
“Learning these poems has taught me to slow down and truly think about my words — what I’m putting out into the world. I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and question how my words make others feel. This process has also made me a better speaker. Poetry has given me a new way to see the world and express emotions that might otherwise go unspoken.”
Dawe’s recitations spanned themes of resilience, self-exploration, and global conflict, including Suppose by Phoebe Cary, It Faintly Lingers by Ann Joe Cheol, and Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear by Mosab Abu Toha — an epistolary poem that ponders the lingering impact of the poet’s life in a war zone.
“Every year, we are so impressed by the hard work and talent Maine’s students showcase at this event,” said Brita Wanger, Maine’s Poetry Out Loud program coordinator. “Pendo’s recitations were delivered with such excellence and with a clear understanding of each poet’s work. Truly, every participant brought their unique perspective and voice to their recitations, which is Poetry Out Loud at its best. We congratulate Pendo and all the finalists on their achievement this year.”
Poetry Out Loud begins at the school and community level, with students competing in classwide and schoolwide recitations. This year, 35 Maine schools participated, culminating in a historic expansion of the regional finals, with competitions held in Lewiston, Bangor and — for the first time ever in the program’s history — Presque Isle.
This year’s state finalists included:
• Lilah Chibuye – Brewer High School
• Pendo Dawe – Maine Coast Waldorf School – state champion
• Aspen Gauthier – Oak Hill High School
• Willow Knowles – Kennebunk High School
• Rose Lehane-Tureen – Cheverus High School – state runner-up
• 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 evening was further elevated by a compelling keynote speech from Maine poet Arisa White, who spoke about poetry’s power to challenge, heal, and transform. White’s words resonated deeply, reinforcing poetry’s role as a force for change and self-discovery.
The competition was emceed by Becky Hallowell, Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, whose passion for education and poetry inspired both students and spectators. Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma was also a guiding presence throughout the regional and state competitions, offering invaluable encouragement and reinforcing poetry’s enduring significance.
For those unable to attend in person, Portland Media Center live-streamed the event, and a recording of the State Finals will be broadcast on Maine Public Television later this year.
Looking ahead: Poetry Celebration Day & National Finals
As Maine’s Poetry Out Loud State Champion, Dawe will represent the state on the national stage on May 5 in Washington, D.C.. The National Poetry Out Loud competition offers students the opportunity to gain national recognition, earn school stipends and compete for a $20,000 scholarship.
In the meantime, Maine poetry enthusiasts can continue the celebration at the Maine Poetry Celebration Day on April 4 from 1-4 p.m. in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House. The event will honor students from the 2025 Poetry Out Loud regional and state finals, feature live student recitations, and celebrate the WriteME poetry project, which brought together 200-plus poets from across Maine to share poetic letters during the winter of 2024-25. Maine’s Poet Laureate, the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and the Maine Arts Commission will be in attendance, making this an afternoon of poetry, creativity, and community.
Thank you to our partners
The Maine Arts Commission extends its deepest gratitude to all the students, teachers, judges, and volunteers who made this event a success. Special thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the Maine Humanities Council for their continued support in fostering creativity and literary excellence.
Stay updated on Pendo Dawe’s journey to the national competition by following the Maine Arts Commission on social media and tuning into the Poetry Out Loud National Finals livestream on May 5.
For more information on Maine Poetry Out Loud, visit mainearts.com.
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.
