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 the UArizona Poetry Center on Saturday, March 11. We're delighted to announce the 2023 Arizona state finalists for Poetry Out Loud, who will compete on that day!

Northern Region Competitors

Roxann Tonawi, Coconino High School

Arabella Licher, Sedona Red Rock High School

Zowie Hubbard, St. Michael Indian School

Central Region Competitors

Biruni Hariadi, Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy

Selena Chavez, Shadow Ridge High School

Diego Flores, Alhambra High School

Southern Region Competitors

Sam Mayer, The Gregory School

Isabel Teran, Sahuarita High School

Miren Miranda, Rio Rico High School

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