Poetry Out Loud

Look for details regarding the 2011 competition in fall, 2010

Recitation and performance are major new trends in poetry. There has been a recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of hip-hop music. Poetry Out Loud builds on that momentum by inviting the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with State Arts Agencies of the United States to support the expansion of Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

High school seniors first compete in their high schools. A maximum of 10 high school winners may next compete at the Regional level, and Regional champions compete at the State level.

State champions will receive a plaque, traveling trophy, and all-expense-paid trip (with two parents or chaperones) to Washington, D. C. for the national finals. The state champion’s school will keep the traveling trophy until the 2010 competition and will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry books for their school’s library. Similarly, the second place school will receive $200 to purchase poetry books for their school’s library. All the finalists will receive award certificates.

A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends will be awarded at the national finals. The national champion will receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

Park University serves as a site for the Regional Poetry Out Loud Recitation Competition. We hope that you will help us celebrate the dramatic talent of our local high school seniors as they compete for the prestigious Poetry Out Loud Regional Champion title. Read all about this exciting competition at http://www.poetryoutloud.org/.

2011 Competition at Park University

Congratulations to the North Kansas City Regional Winner, Morghan Borders from Grandview High School. Morghan is pictured below with her high school sponsor, Amy Cameron, and event judges Erik Johnson, Rhiannon Dickerson and Gabriela Lemmons.

Congratulations to all of our 2011 competitors and their high school sponsors, pictured below

2010 Competition at Park University

North Kansas City Regional Winner interviews on the Walt Bodine Show on April 20, 2010. Hear the podcast.

North Kansas City Regional Winner is Runner-up at State POL Competiton

Congratulations to Siera Willis, pictured third from the left, North Kansas City Regional Winner! Siera is from Main Street Academy, and her high school teacher sponsor is Amy Cameron.

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2009 Competition at Park University 20092009 Competition at Park University

Congratulations to 2009 Regional Winner DeAndri Maitre from

Blue Springs South High School and to her teacher, Maridella Carter!

Congratulations to all contestants pictured here with the judges and coordinator

Contestants and their teachers

A fun time was had by all - see you in 2010!

For more information, contact Virginia Brackett, virginia.brackett@park.edu.

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