West Virginia’s Poetry Out Loud Contest

Poetry Out Loud is a national contest in which high school students memorize and recite poetry for an audience. The competition begins on a school-wide level, with the winners at each school advancing to the statewide competition held at the Culture Center in Charleston March 8 and 9, 2013. The winners from each US state and territory then compete at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. each spring.

Poetry Out Loud meets several CSOs in Reading and English Language Arts. Participation helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. By encouraging students to study, memorize, and perform some of the most influential and timeless poems of the English language, you immerse them in powerful literature and provocative ideas.

Champions from each school-wide contest are invited to compete at the State Finals in March. The West Virginia Poetry Out Loud State Finals are held in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theatre at the Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. In addition to contestants from all over the state performing poetry, music and guest speakers are provided by celebrated musicians and artists. Past guests of honor include West Virginia-born actor and Oscar nominee, Chris Sarandon, nationally acclaimed Appalachian poet Nikki Giovanni, and poet and actress, Amber Tamblyn.

Champions with their families and teachers can visit the State Museum, the Capitol building, and many more of Charleston’s exciting attractions while visiting the State Finals!

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Awards for Winning Students and Schools

State Competition
State Champion
$200 and all-expenses paid trip (with adult chaperone) to the National Competition in Washington, D.C. State Champion’s School: $500 for purchase of poetry books

State Runner-Up
$100; school receives $200 for purchase of poetry books

National Competition
National Champion
$20,000 and a total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends

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Rules and Guidelines

Student Eligibility

• High school students in grades 9-12 (or 8th grade students in a participating 9-12 class)
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents (for state and national finals)
• Schools must register with Arts in Education Coordinator by December 1. School Registration Form Link
• Homeschool students may participate by competing in a contest at a local school or with other local homeschool students

Poem Eligibility

• Poems are selected from the Poetry Out anthology (updated every summer)
• Students select 3 poems: one 25 lines or shorter; one written before the 20th century; same poem may meet both criteria

Classroom and School Contests

• Teachers use the Poetry Out Loud Teacher’s Guide to incorporate standards-based curriculum and hold classroom contests. Winners from classroom contests go on to compete at the school level.
• Schools must hold a contest to select a champion.
• Contest must include at least two students, evaluated by Poetry Out Loud evaluation criteria
• Students recite one poem per round.
• Scores from all rounds added to determine winner.

Visit the Poetry Out Loud website for complete participation information.

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Timeline

Event schedule for registered teachers and students
Media Release for Students
Parent Release
Teacher Registration
Media Release for Teachers

For advice on coordinating an event and questions about classroom, school, and state contests, contact:
Cicely Bosley, Arts in Education Coordinator
The Culture Center, State Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
cicely.j.bosley@wv.gov
(304)558-0240
FAX: 304-558-3560