Announcing: Maine’s Poetry Out Loud Finalists

State Final, Free and Open to Public, at Waterville Opera House March 11

AUGUSTA, ME--The art of poetry recitation was heard and experienced out loud as students representing 32 high schools across Maine competed in the Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals.  This year's regional contests were hosted at Hampden Academy and Westbrook Performing Arts Centers. The Maine Arts Commission, which produces and administers the statewide contests is pleased to announce the top 10 finalists who will compete in the state finals at the Waterville Opera House on March 11 at 3 p.m.

Northern Maine Regional Champions:

• Shaphnah McKenzie, Bangor High School
• Magnolia Vandiver, George Stevens Academy
• Hanna Lavenson, Messalonskee High School
• Emma Jacot-Descombes, Rangeley Lakes Regional Schools
• Emily Campbell, Waterville High School

Southern Maine Regional Champions:

• Allan Monga, Deering High School
• Aaliyah Biamby, Gorham High School
• Joao Victor, Lewiston High School
• Delaney Ziegman, Thornton Academy
• Wyatt Bates, Yarmouth High School

The Maine Poetry Out Loud state finals are March 11 at the Waterville Opera House. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for a 3 p.m. performance start. The event will be hosted by local television personality, Bill Green. There will be three rounds of recitations, live music from the Messalonskee Jazz Band, and an appearance from Maine Poet Laureate Stuart Kestenbaum. One state finalist will be named the overall winner and advance to the national competition, where they will compete for a total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends, as well as a $20,000 scholarship.

The event will also be broadcast and live streamed on the Maine Arts Commission’s Facebook page in collaboration with Boothbay Region Television and other local access TV stations.  

For more information about the state and national finals, please visit Maine Arts Commission: Poetry Out Loud webpage or contact Argy Nestor, Maine Arts Commission Director of Arts Education atargy.nestor@maine.gov or 207-287-2713.