INDIANA – Pike High School student Aalihya Banks said she never imagined she’d be the winner of the state Poetry Out Loud competition, but she’s grateful she was. After placing in third place two years in a row, her win was long-anticipated.
“I feel speechless,” said Banks. “I didn’t think it would be me, but I was very excited that it was. I feel like all my hard work paid off.”
Banks said she swallowed her nerves during the competition by focusing on sharing the messages of the poetry she recited, rather than getting tied up in the competitive nature of the event. Banks recited the works of poets like Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Stephan Dunn during the competition.
“I just look at poetry as messages,” Banks said after her win. “Unsaid messages that I can say.”
For future competitors, Banks recommends using the same strategy.
“Just breathe. Treat it like you’re trying to give out the message. Instead of a competition, you’re trying to portray a message — someone else’s message.”
Here is the 2024-25 competition timeline, including a webinar for those interested in learning more about the program, its process, and its impact on students.
- Oct. 15, 2024: Informational Webinar hosted by Indiana Humanities
- Dec. 6, 2024: Intent to Participate form submission deadline
- January–March 2025: Coaching available to students
- Feb. 7, 2025: Finalist registration deadline
- Feb. 14, 2025: Finalists submit two recitation videos virtually
- Feb. 17, 2025: Finalists invited to Third Round/State Finals in Indianapolis
- Mar. 1, 2025: Indiana State Finals
- May 5-7, 2025: National Finals in Washington, D.C.
Ready to sign up?
High schools and organizations that wish to participate in the 2024-25 Poetry Out Loud program must submit their intent with either the student/individual or school/organization form by Dec. 6, 2024. Indiana Humanities will work with interested schools and organizations to include them in the official Poetry Out Loud program.
Have a question?
Email Hailey DeWolf, Poetry Out Loud coordinator, at hdewolf@indianahumanities.org.
Poetry Out Loud presents a powerful, transformative experience for students like Aalihya to engage with literature while gaining confidence in their performance and public speaking skills. We encourage you to check out the Poetry Out Loud website for resources, lesson plans, and videos to imagine how a Poetry Out Loud program can provide opportunities for your students and schools.
