Vancouver School of Arts and Academics senior Yeshi Berry is a regional champion in Southwest Washington’s 2020 Poetry Out Loud competition. Berry performed “How to Triumph Like a Girl,” by Ada Limón and “American Smooth” by Rita Dove.
On Jan. 22, eight regional competitors faced off at Educational Service District 112 after winning at their respective schools. Students recited works selected from an anthology of more than 700 classic and contemporary poems. Judges evaluated the performers on voice, articulation, evidence of understanding and accuracy.
Next, Berry and regional co-champion Amy Eells of Battle Ground High School will compete in the state Poetry Out Loud contest in Tacoma, Washington, on March 7.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country.