Annual tradition continues with 2016 competition
By Kavya Pamulapati and Sophie Yang, ‘19
The 2016 annual Poetry Out Loud competition took place on Feb. 4 in the Little Theatre. Senior Meara Maccabee was declared the school winner amongst the nine finalists who competed.
Maccabee won the event with two poems that she chose from the Poetry Out Loud database: “To David, About His Education” and “Ode for the American Dead in Asia.”
Coming in second place in 2014 and 2015, Maccabee pushed through her final year of POL on her path to the regional competition.
“I’m extremely honored to be able to represent our school in the regional and hopefully state competition,” Maccabee said. “I was close to doing it in sophomore and junior year, and I was extremely honored to even get second place.”
Maccabee first discovered her passion for poetry through her freshman English class, much like other Poetry Out Loud competitors, such as senior Sophia Fisher.
Fisher, one of the finalists this year, said Poetry Out Loud is a supportive community for students.
“I competed my sophomore year, and I really loved it,” Fisher said. “If you’re hesitant about speaking, or if you’re hesitant about poetry itself, then it’s a great way to get involved and make some new friends and put yourself out there.”
The Poetry Out Loud program, a 10-year tradition at UAHS, will continue to hold annual competitions in the future.
Maccabee has advice for students who hope to win the school Poetry Out Loud competition in coming years.
“Compete every year, even if you think you didn’t do well the previous year or if you’re too scared to try out,” Maccabee said. “You never know how well you’re going to do until you try.”
Maccabee advanced to the Columbus regional semifinal on March 5, placing in the top six. She will competing as one of 12 state finalists on March 19 at the Center Of Science & Industry.