SDAC ENCOURAGES NEW SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE

POETRY OUT LOUD is a national arts education program created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, coordinated and sponsored statewide by the South Dakota Arts Council. The contest encourages youth to appreciate poetry as an oral art form. Participants learn public speaking skills, build confidence and learn about literature, culture and history.

This year the SDAC hopes to have more schools participate. Poetry Out Loud coordinator Madison Lukomski is offering workshops to any interested classrooms or groups throughout the school year. If you are interested in bringing Poetry Out Loud to your classroom, please send an email to Madison.Lukomski@gmail.com.

This year’s state competition is March 18 in Sioux Falls. The event is free and open to the public. Students who compete in the recitation program will have a shot at a $20,000 grand prize at the national finals event in Washington D.C., April 30 to May 2, 2024. For more information visit artscouncil.sd.gov/POL.

Above photo: Grace Powell (above) from Dakota Valley High School was the state champ in 2022 and competed at the National Finals in D.C.