By 1808Delaware
Seven high school students from across Ohio are set to take the stage on Friday, February 7 at 6:00 PM to vie for the title of 2025 Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Champion. The competition will be held at WOSU Public Media’s Ross Community Studio in Columbus, marking the 20th anniversary of this celebrated program.
Among the finalists is Akua Asarewaa Owusu-Ampadu, a senior at Westerville Central High School representing Delaware County. She will join six other accomplished students in this highly anticipated event.
Celebrating Two Decades of Poetry Out Loud
The Poetry Out Loud program, launched by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, fosters an appreciation for poetry while equipping students with public speaking skills and self-confidence. The program has grown to become the largest poetry recitation competition in the United States, with participation from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Donna S. Collins, Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s milestone competition.
“For 20 years, this nationwide program has helped students study the art of poetry, all while gaining important skills for the workplace, like public presentation. We congratulate this year’s outstanding group of students.”
Meet the 2025 Ohio State Finalists
The seven finalists were selected after excelling in regional competitions. They represent diverse regions of Ohio, showcasing the program’s broad reach:
- Julia Neal, junior, River Valley High School (Gallia County)
- Zeke Moses, freshman, Bexley High School (Franklin County)
- Anastasia Shivers, senior, Arts Equity Collective (Hamilton County)
- Yali Yax, senior, Toledo Early College (Lucas County)
- Houda Loukssi, senior, Xenia High School (Greene County)
- Akua Asarewaa Owusu-Ampadu, senior, Westerville Central High School (Delaware County)
- Dallas Kohl, senior, Aurora High School (Portage County)
A Night of Poetic Excellence
At the State Finals, each student will deliver recitations in three rounds before a live audience. Judges, including former Ohio POL state champions Mido Aly, Thomas Ellison, and Caira Lee, will evaluate the performances based on accuracy, voice, presence, and interpretation.
In addition to judging, Caira Lee will perform her own poetry as this year’s guest poet. The event will be hosted by Peter Lawson Jones, a current OAC board member.
The stakes are high, with the champion receiving:
- $200 cash prize
- A work of art created by Passion Works Studio in Athens, Ohio
- $500 for their school library to support future poetry and arts education
The winner will also advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., from May 5-7, 2025, representing Ohio on the national stage.
Poetry as a Catalyst for Growth
Beyond the competition, Poetry Out Loud emphasizes the transformative power of poetry. By engaging with classic and contemporary works, students connect with literary heritage while developing skills critical for academic and professional success.
This year’s finalists exemplify the program’s impact. As they prepare to step into the spotlight, Delaware County and the broader Ohio community are ready to cheer them on. Admission to the event is free, offering an opportunity for the public to witness the next generation of poetic talent.
Image by cromaconceptovisual from Pixabay
