Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students have participated in this dynamic poetry recitation competition. Poetry Out Loud can help students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for poetry.

Poetry Out Loud is a national competition which begins at the local level, with winners advancing to the state competition and ultimately to the National Finals.

The Poetry Out Loud is a partnership among the National Endowment of the Arts, the Poetry Out Loud Foundation and the Arkansas Arts Council at the state level. There is an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC for those advancing at the state level. At the national level students can win $50,000, $20,000 and other prize amounts. 

The Poetry Out Loud competition is open to all students in grades nine-twelve in Mountain View School District and Stone County home school students.  Interested Mountain View School District students should contact their classroom teachers. Teachers will contact Sheila Mitchell, who is the coordinator for Mountain View School District.