Anjou Whitmore, South Portland High School student, is a 2026 Maine Poetry Out Loud State Finalist!
Read more about Maine Poetry Out Loud from the Maine Arts Commission:
“This year’s finalists brought extraordinary focus, creativity, and courage to the stage,” said Amy Hausmann, Executive Director of the Maine Arts Commission. “Poetry Out Loud gives students an opportunity to explore language, voice, and meaning while building confidence in front of an audience. Watching these students bring poetry to life reminds us how vital the arts are to creativity and community.”
This year’s Maine Poetry Out Loud program engaged students across the state, culminating in semifinals held in Presque Isle, Lewiston, and Brewer. Ten finalists advanced to the Maine State Finals at the Waterville Opera House, performing classic poems from memory before a panel of judges.
Poetry Out Loud, created by the National Endowment for the Arts, is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Since 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students nationwide have participated, building public speaking skills, confidence, and appreciation for poetry.