Registration is now open for Delaware schools and organizations interested in participating in the 2026-2027 Poetry Out Loud competition, a national program designed to help high school students develop confidence and public speaking skills through poetry recitation.
The upcoming school year marks the 22nd anniversary of Poetry Out Loud, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts. The program operates in all 50 states as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Delaware schools may register through Oct. 30, with classroom and school-level competitions taking place throughout the fall. Local winners will advance to the Delaware Poetry Out Loud State Finals, scheduled for Feb. 18, 2027, at the Smyrna Opera House.
“Poetry Out Loud gives students an opportunity to experience poetry in a different way: to study it, make meaning from it, and bring it to life in their own voice,” Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said. “Along the way, students strengthen their reading, communication, and public speaking skills while building confidence in themselves.”
Marten encouraged high schools and students throughout the state to participate.
“Every student deserves opportunities to find their voice, share what they have to say, and know the world is listening. They will be heard,” she said.
Students participating in Poetry Out Loud select, memorize and recite classic and contemporary poems from the program’s anthology. Competitions begin in classrooms, schools and community organizations before advancing to the state level.
Public, private, parochial, independent, charter and homeschool students are eligible to participate.
Teachers have access to free standards-based curriculum materials, including an online poetry anthology, teacher’s guide and instructional videos on poetry recitation.
Jessica Ball, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, said the competition has provided an opportunity for young people throughout the state to demonstrate their talents.
“For 22 years, Poetry Out Loud has turned up remarkable young poets in every corner of Delaware, in our cities and our small towns, in public schools and private ones,” Ball said. “The program gives them a place to be heard, and it reminds all of us how much talent lives in our schools.”
Ball also credited educators and schools with making the program successful.
“We are grateful to the schools and teachers who open that door, and we hope even more will join them this year,” she said.
Milford has its own connection to the statewide competition. Rebecca Wisniewski of Milford High School was named Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud state champion in 2021.
Other recent champions include Natalia Gatti of Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2026, Olivia Stevens of Mount Sophia Academy in 2025, Maiss Hussein of Hodgson Vo-Tech High School in 2023 and 2024, and Natalie Kim Ramos of St. Mark’s High School in 2022.
Gatti described winning the 2026 state competition as a memorable experience.
“Being named state champion is a dream come true,” Gatti said. “The whole experience was surreal. Meeting people who share the same passion for poetry was easily the best part of the whole event.”
Delaware’s 2027 state champion will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, scheduled for April 26-28 in Washington, D.C.
A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed nationally, including a $20,000 award for the national champion. Mid Atlantic Arts administers the monetary prizes and travel arrangements for the national competition.
Poetry Out Loud began in 2005 as a national poetry recitation program for high school students. Since its launch, more than 4.5 million students nationwide have participated.
A 2020 study of the program found participation can contribute to students’ academic, literary and social-emotional development while helping schools create more engaging learning environments.
Schools and organizations interested in participating in the 2026-2027 Delaware program may register through the Delaware Division of the Arts website. Registration closes Oct. 30.
Questions about participating may also be directed to Delaware Poetry Out Loud coordinator Briana Henry at briana.henry@delaware.gov.
