Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
PHOTO: The 2023 Poetry Out Loud Maine state finalists at the state competition March 13 in Lewiston. (Submitted photo)
LEWISTON – Students from the area were among the 10 finalists at the Maine Poetry Out Loud state final, held March 13 at the Olin Arts Center.
Following three rounds of poetry recitations, Abigail Case, Grade 11, of Hermon High School, was named the champion. She will advance to the national competition in Washington D.C. in May. Jaime Bueya-Mbiyavanga of Portland High School was runnerup.
Other finalists were Mackenzie Chaput, Gardiner Area High School; Marcus Gallagher, Oak Hill High School; Lyra Legawiec, Mt. Ararat High School; Alice Willette, Waterville Senior High School; Charlotte Schatz, Maine Coast Waldorf School; Willow Knowles, Kennebunk High School; Innana Piccininni, Bangor High School; John Punnachalil, Oceanside High School.
After two years of virtual competitions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Poetry Out Loud returned as a live event. The state final was co-hosted by Portland Poet Laureate Maya Williams and former Poetry Out Loud state champion Allan Monga. Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma, of Kingfield, delivered a comedic and inspirational keynote speech and read one of her original poems.
Judges were Ian-Khara Ellasante, Jeri Theriault, Janet Mitchko, and Todd McKinley. The recitations were scored based on voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, accuracy, and overall performance. At the state and national finals, each participant memorizes and recites three poems. One poem must be 25 lines or fewer, and one must be written before the 20th century.
Some 20 Maine schools and 2,440 students participated in this year’s program, which is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Poetry Foundation, and state arts agencies. The program offers free educational materials and a competition for high school students across the country. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, as well as learn about literary history and contemporary life.
For more on this year’s competition, visit mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Programs/POL-Home.
