The Wyoming Arts Council is inviting interested high school teachers and students to take part in Poetry Out Loud (POL), a national recitation and memorization contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

Designed specifically for students in grades 9-12 attending public, private or home schools, Poetry Out Loud is intended as a fun way to teach and learn language arts standards through poetry.

The competition builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, encouraging youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Students can work on mastering comprehension, public speaking, acting, performance, drama and English skills while building self-confidence and internalizing America’s rich literary heritage.

In addition to the learning experience this program offers, students have the opportunity to win cash prizes and money for their school library to purchase poetry books.

Teachers can learn full program details and register at wyoarts.state.wy.us/wac-program/poetryoutloud/. Schools interested in participating in Wyoming’s Poetry Out Loud competition can contact Amara Fehring at amara.fehring@wyo.gov or 307-630-3918. 

The registration deadline is Jan. 24.