Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students that begins in the classroom and culminates in the National Finals in Washington, DC. Drawing upon elements of spoken word, theater, and slam poetry, Poetry Out Loud cultivates an appreciation of poetry that goes beyond the page. In Arizona, students compete at the classroom, regional, and state levels. Regional competitions were held in February and, as the administrative home of Arizona's Poetry Out Loud program, the state competition will be held at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff on Saturday, March 2. We're delighted to announce the 2024 Arizona state finalists for Poetry Out Loud, who will compete on that day!

Northern Region Competitors

Reymond Papas-Collins, Sedona Red Rock High School

Spencer Boatman, Coconino High School

Alexis Bogatyrew, Sedona Red Rock High School

Central Region Competitors

Jessica Finnie, Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy

Ransom Kaul, Brophy College Preparatory

Piper Gagliardi, BASIS Scottsdale

Southern Region Competitors

Isabel Teran, Sahuarita High School

Yuliana Alvarez, Rio Rico High School

Madeleine Chapman, Combs High School

Congratulation to all the state finalists, as well as all Arizona POL participants!