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 State Finals competition for Arizona will be held at The University of Arizona Poetry Center, in Tucson, on Saturday, March 7, 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 2025-2026 Arizona State finalists for Poetry Out Loud, who will compete on that day!

Competitors:

Iolani Sutton, Sedona Red Rock High School

Julie Brown, Coconino High School

Glenna Barnes, Sedona Red Rock High School

Liam McLaughlin, Gary K Herberger Young Scholars Academy

Samuel Hazen, Brophy College Preparatory

Emily Kodicek, Xavier College Preparatory

Lia McCovey, Salpointe Catholic High School

Mikayla Paredes, Sahuarita High School

Aymar Ramos, Flowing Wells High School

Congratulations to all the Southern Region finalists, as well as all Arizona POL participants!