Backstage at the Poetry Out Loud finals held here earlier this month, the atmosphere was tense. After an intense two days of competition, 53 state champions had been narrowed down to just three finalists. As the judges calculated the scores, the three high school students anxiously walked back and forth, offering support and comfort to each other. This moment was the culmination of countless hours, and sometimes years, of hard work. Each student had diligently memorized three poems to recite on stage. Their performances were scrutinized on various aspects, including overall delivery, accuracy, and the ability to interpret the poet’s words.
The competition, now in its 12th year, commences in classrooms across the country. Students commit poems to memory and showcase their recitation skills, selecting from a staggering list of over 900 options. Classroom winners then progress to school-level, regional, and eventually state finals. This year, an impressive 300,000 students from 2,300 high schools participated in the event. "Poetry is significant because it provides a platform to discuss topics that are incredibly challenging and universally relevant," said Eleanor Billington, representing the National Endowment for the Arts, an organization instrumental in establishing this competition. Billington, the program manager for Poetry Out Loud, added, "It allows students to find themselves in the work and words of another person, fostering a connection with those stories."
The NEA collaborated with the Poetry Foundation, known for publishing Poetry magazine and promoting an appreciation of poetry, to develop this program. Stephen Young, the foundation’s program director, explained, "Our goal was to provide teachers with a fresh approach to teaching poetry. Rather than simply asking students to read a poem and write an analysis, this contest places emphasis on the pleasure and musicality of poetry." Young emphasized that participating in the competition requires analytical skills comparable to those needed for writing an essay, as students must determine how to effectively recite each line, considering intonation and emphasized words.
The young champion from Georgia, Samara Elán Huggins, a senior from Whitefield Academy in Mableton, began her journey in the competition as a freshman. This was her first time reaching the national finals. Huggins conveyed her commitment to ensuring that the audience comprehends the intended meaning of the poem. In an interview, she expressed, "Poetry is a distinct language, unlike prose or spoken word. Poets must carefully select their words, adhering to a structured format. This creates a heightened significance to each word and punctuation, conveying emotions, ideas, and thought processes that are essential for us to grasp in poetry."
As the judges concluded their scoring, the three finalists anxiously awaited backstage. The moment of truth arrived as winners were announced. Iree Mann, a junior from Syosset High School in Jericho, New York, secured third place. Nicholas Amador, a junior from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii, claimed second place. And this year’s champion was Samara Elán Huggins, captivating the audience with her recitation of "The Farmer" by W.D. Erhart. Huggins was showered with confetti and awarded a prize of $20,000. Reflecting on her experience, Huggins expressed her gratitude, stating, "I genuinely adore this competition; it has opened so many opportunities for me. It has improved my communication with peers, enhanced my essay writing skills, and even elevated my own poetry." Next year, Huggins plans to attend Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she hopes to pursue a major in fashion design and a minor in English. She intends to continue utilizing her poetic talents by performing at cafes and festivals.
