Poetry Out Loud 2019 Televised:
Watch Video by Boothbay Region Television & Media Center
Joao Victor, Maine Poetry Out Loud Champion of 2019
Joao Victor, a senior from Lewiston High School, is the winner of the Maine Poetry Out Loud State Final and is on his way to the nationals in Washington, D.C. in April. Allan Monga, a senior from Deering High School and 2018 Poetry Out Loud state champion finished runner-up.
The 2019 Poetry Out Loud competition is the first appearance for a Lewiston High School student to earn a spot in the Maine state finals. Victor advanced alongside nine other finalists from Maine high schools in the Regional Poetry Out Loud contests held last month.
The contestants recited two poems in the first two rounds before intermission, at which time the panel of judges selected five finalists to move on to the final round., Victor recited "Bright Copper Kettles," by Vijay Seshadri in the final round to clinch the championship. In the end, Victor and Monga were announced state champion and runner-up. Monga, whose 2018 bid to compete in the National Poetry Out Loud championship in Washington D.C., played a big part to inspire Victor to participate in the competition.
Joao Victor, Lewiston High School
Maine State Runner-UpAllan Monga, Deering High SchoolState FinalistsMagnolia Vandiver, George Stevens AcademyAaliyah Biamby, Gorham High SchoolWyatt Bates, Yarmouth High School Regional FinalistsShaphnah McKenzie, Bangor High School Delaney Ziegman, Thornton AcademyEmily Campbell, Waterville High School Hanna Lavenson, Messalonskee High SchoolEmma Jacot-Descombes, Rangeley Lakes Regional SchoolFor more information about Poetry Out Loud, and for how your school can participate next year, visit this site or contact Argy Nestor, Director of Arts Education, Maine Arts Commission at vog.eniam@rotsen.ygra.
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