Poetry is alive and well in the halls of America’s high schools, at least if my experience with the Poetry Out Loud program is any indication. In spite of the challenges of the COVID pandemic, one of our local high schools has consistently participated in the national arts education program, which is designed to encourage the study of great poetry. The program does this by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. Beyond a love of poetry itself, this program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life, according to its website.

This was my fifth year judging the competition, and I never fail to be impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of the students. In the past, this high school has had a student go on to compete at the national level, and commitment to the program remains strong. Although I graduated from high school a long time ago, I learn something every time I participate. Congratulations to the DuBois area high school, and the students who take the time to learn a great program and recite it for an audience.