John Booth, 9th grader, Gardiner Area High School is local finalist.
Poetry Out Loud is a competition to select the best high school reciter of poetry in the United States of America and its other territories. It begins with around 400,000 students nationwide and ends in Washington, D.C. with one winner.
In Maine, over 4,000 students begun this journey competing at nearly 40 school finals, then at two regional finals. Now we are down to the top 11 students who will compete in Waterville on March 5 for the honor of representing Maine at the national finals.
This is the fifth year of this competition, and in the previous four years, two Mainers have made their way to the final 12 in Washington to be awarded $1,000. This could be the year where Maine finally wins the top prize, which is $20,000 in scholarships for the winning student.
At the state final students win $200 and $100 for first and second, but their schools receive $500 and $200 for purchasing poetry books.
PHOTO: From archives, Fifty-three champions from every state, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico competed during the two-day competition. Credit James Kegley
When you begin with over 4,000 students and end up with 11 you know the quality is assured. Come and see this amazing competition free of charge in Waterville’s luxurious Opera House.
Here are this year’s state finalist who will recite classical and contemporary poetry live on stage. Come and support your local students, schools and of course great poetry. We look forward to meeting you at the finals.
Erica Lance, 10th grade, Leavitt Area High School (Turner)
Paige Meserve, 12th grade, Thornton Academy (Saco)
Caleb Shomaker, 12th grade, Sanford High School
Aaron Bartlett, 12th grade, Gorham High School
John Booth, 9th grade, Gardiner Area High School
Mary Montalvo, 12th grade, Mt. Ararat High School (Topsham)
Will Whitham, 12th grade, Bangor High School
Jorgi Young, 11th grade, Maine Central Institute (Pittsfield)
Rosie Ditre, 9th grade, Maranacook Community High School (Readfield)
Emma Bailey, 12th grade, Messalonskee High School (Oakland)
Jacob Simonds,12th grade, Rangeley Lakes Regional School
