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. The regional competition for Southern Arizona will be held at The University of Arizona Poetry Center, in Tucson, on Saturday, February 14, beginning at 1:00pm.

You can attend in person, or watch the live steam here: https://poetry.arizona.edu/readings/live

We're delighted to announce the 2026 Southern Region finalists for Poetry Out Loud, who will compete on that day!

Competitors:

Mckaylah Vowell, Combs High School

Aiden J. Thompson, Desert View High School

Lia McCovey, Salpointe Catholic High School

Aymar Ramos Martinez, Flowing Wells High School

Mikayla Paredes, Sahuarita High School 

Maddy Olea, Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind

Deajon Aaliyah Funez, University High School

Congratulation to all the Southern Region finalists, as well as all Arizona POL participants.