MAINE'S 2025-2026 POETRY OUT LOUD PROGRAM
AUGUSTA, ME — The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025–2026 season of Poetry OutLoud, a dynamic, nationwide poetry recitation program that helps students develop public speaking skills, build confidence, and deepen their understanding of literary arts.
Throughout 2025, high schools and community-based organizations across Maine are invited to host classroom, school-wide, or organizational competitions. Winners will advance to regional contests in February, followed by the statewide finals in March. Non-school organizations, including after-school programs, libraries, and nonprofit groups, are also eligible to participate. Students may compete through either their school or an organization, but not both.
Teachers, educators, and coordinators have access to free, standards-based curriculum materials at PoetryOutLoud.org, including an online poetry anthology, lesson plans, and instructional videos to support classroom and community learning.
Maine’s state champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.
At last year’s 20th anniversary Maine Poetry Out Loud State Finals, held at the Waterville Opera House, Pendo Dawe, a senior at Maine Coast Waldorf School, was named the 2025 Maine State Champion. Selected from among ten of Maine’s strongest high school reciters, Pendo impressed judges with her compelling, heartfelt interpretations and exceptional stage presence.
In May, Pendo represented Maine at the 2025 National Finals in Washington, D.C., where she stood among the top youth reciters from across the nation. Though she did not advance to the final round, Pendo delivered moving performances that showcased her artistry, discipline, and poise on a national stage.
From the Maine Poetry Out Loud Program Coordinator
"I have been involved as a judge, an emcee, and a teaching artist through previous Maine Poetry Out Loud programs,” said Maya Williams, Maine Poetry Out Loud Program Coordinator and former Poet Laureate for the City of Portland. “It has been a joy to coordinate programs for this 2025–2026 school year. I look forward to how community members throughout the state will be involved in each regional competition. Be on the lookout for more ways to be involved in poetry reading and discussion outside of competition needs in January." Poetry Out Loud Awards
Each state champion receives $200 and advances to the national championships. The national champion receives a $20,000 prize, part of the larger $50,000 in awards and school/organization stipends distributed each year. State champions’ schools or organizations also receive a $500 stipend to purchase poetry materials. First runners-up receive $100, with $200 awarded to their school or organization.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
Maine Poetry Out Loud (2025-2026)
Resources for Teachers and Participants
KEY DATES
Note: Zoom Poetry Sessions open for both Poetry Out Loud students and non-students.
3
February
Northern Regional Finals
Presque Isle Public Library, Presque Isle
10
February
Southern Regional Finals
The Public Theater, Lewiston
18
February
Central Regional Theatre
Next Generation Theatre, Brewer
2
March
State Finals
Waterville Opera House, Waterville
13
April
Poetry Celebration Day
Maine State Capitol, Hall of Flags
27-29
April
National Finals
Washington D.C.
If you have additions to this page or questions about the Poetry Out Loud Program please contact Program Director, Khristina Kurasz via email at .vog.eniam@zsaruk.anitsirhk
If you want info about Maine Arts Commission's current accessibility policies, what we are doing to advance our digital accessibility or need assistance to access the website content, grant guidelines or application, please contact our ADA Accessibility Coordinator, Eli Cabañas by email at vog.eniam@sanabac.ile or at 207.215-5872.
It is the policy of the Maine Arts Commission not to discriminate on the basis of disability, and the Commission is dedicated to making our programs accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities and assist individuals with disabilities in connecting them with resources for access to the arts. All programs funded by the Maine Arts Commission must also be accessible.