Today, Doug and I attended Poetry Out Loud, the national poetry recitation competition, where I was honored to serve as a guest judge. The student poets were exceptional—thoughtful, confident, and deeply engaged with the work.
Award recipients:
First Place: Mashal Moflehi
Second Place: Jaya Franklin
Third Place: Maya J.
My sincere thanks to Jacalyn Eyvonne, Poet Laureate Emerita of Vallejo, for the invitation to judge and for hosting such a beautifully organized and inspiring event. It was truly an uplifting day.
The first-place winner will represent Solano County at the state competition in Sacramento. The state champion will advance to the national finals in Washington, DC, where the national winner receives a $20,000 scholarship.
Poetry Out Loud® lifts poetry off the page and into the voice, creating community, confidence, and connection. Since its founding in 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students have participated nationwide. The program strengthens public speaking skills while deepening students’ appreciation for poetry and language.
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025–2026 Poetry Out Loud program will feature poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. Participants can explore this year’s curated selections through the program’s Find Poems resources.
