Poetry Out Loud

Thursday, March 8, 2012 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm

STUDENT POETRY RECITATION

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 competitive recitation. By evaluating performers on memorization as well as presentation, this program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

After successful pilot programs in Washington, DC, and Chicago, Poetry Out Loud was launched in high schools nationwide in the spring of 2006 with tens of thousands of students participating. POL has grown every year with over 365,000 students competing in 2010-2011.

This showcase highlights competitors from the Wichita area including:

  • Damien Gilbert (Region 5 Champion)
  • Susan Elder (Region 5 1st Runner-Up)
  • Chyrcka Harper (East High School 1st Runner-Up)

They will recite poems from authors such as Anne Bradstreet, John Straley, Mathew Arnold, and Emily Dickinson. The event will open with a string ensemble from Wichita High School East.

Event begins at 6:30pm and is open to all ages. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated!

LEARN MORE

For more information, please see www.poetryoutloud.org.