Write Out Loud will host the regional division of the national poetry competition, Poetry Out Loud Tuesday for local high school students.
The winner from the competition, at 5 p.m. at the San Diego Central Library, will advance to the Poetry Out Loud State Finals in Sacramento. The California winner will then compete for the national title in Washington, D.C.
Finalists from the following San Diego schools will participate in the regional competition:
- Academy of Our Lady of Peace, North Park
- Bayfront Charter High School, Chula Vista
- Canyon Crest Academy, Carmel Valley
- Eastlake High School, Chula Vista
- Health Science High and Middle College, East San Diego
- Otay Ranch High School, Chula Vista
- Pacific Ridge High School, Carlsbad
- Valley Center High School, Valley Center
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a recitation competition for high school students nationwide.
This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
Judges for Tuesday’s event represent a variety of arts and culture organizations and schools throughout San Diego. They include the city’s Poet Laureate, Jason Magabo Perez, Brandon Cesmat, poet and lecturer, California State University San Marcos, and Gina M. Jackson, founder and executive artistic director of Cultural Noire Performing Arts Company.
The event is free and also will be streamed on the Write Out Loud San Diego YouTube channel.
Support for the local event has been provided by the Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, via the California Arts Council and the city of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.