(Indianapolis) - The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today that finalists from 10 Indiana schools will compete Saturday, March 8, 2008 for top honors in the Indiana Poetry Out Loud recitation contest.
The competition will be held from 12:00 noon until 3:30 p.m. at the Indiana Historical Society's Frank and Katrina Basile Theatre, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis. Admission is free.
Students representing high schools from around Indiana will compete to determine the state champion. The student crowned State Champion will receive a $200 cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Washnington, D.C. to compete at the National Finals April 27-29, 2008. The State Champion's school will receive a $500 stipend to purchase poetry books.
Students participating in the 2008 Indiana Poetry Out Loud competition include:
Cameron Todd Anderson, Herron High School, Indianapolis
Chyna Cheaney, Signature School, Evansville
Lydia Hawkins, Tipton High School, Tipton
Sarah Healey, University High School of Indiana, Carmel
Sequoia J. Jelks, Broad Ripple High School, Indianapolis
Rithvi Melanata, Carmel High School, Carmel
Cait Molloy, Southport High School, Indianapolis
Jasmine Morris, Lawrence North High School, Indianapolis
Kally Musser, Options Charter High School, Noblesville
Dheevena Reddy, Homestead High School, Fort Wayne
In 2007, Indiana's Poetry Out Loud Champion Branden Emanual Wellington, placed second overall in the National Finals.
"Indiana's Poetry Out Loud competitions have featured a wide variety of poetry styles and works delivered by exceptionally talented students," said Lewis C. Ricci, IAC executive director, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. "I know Indiana will once again be well represented at the National Finals."
The National Poetry Out Loud competition began in 2006. The program, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), is designed to encourage youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, which helps students master public speaking skills, build self-esteem, and internalize an appreciation for American literary heritage.
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Link to this event: http://www.in.gov/newsroom.htm?detailContent=133_16230.htm