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 2 and 3, 2012. The winners from each US state and territory then compete at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. each spring.

Why should I be involved?

Poetry Out Loud fulfills the West Virginia CSOs in Reading and English Language Arts. It 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.

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

Highlights of the West Virginia State Finals

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. Music and performances are provided by celebrated musicians and artists. Past guests of honor include Chris Sarandon, a West Virginia-born actor and Oscar nominee, and Nikki Giovanni, a nationally acclaimed Appalachian poet.

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.
• 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 Loud print or online 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

Competition

• Schools must hold competition to select a champion
• Competition 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

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Timeline

Download theSchool Registration Form
For help coordinating and questions about classroom and school-wide competitions, 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 x713