The Oregon Arts Commission is proud to present the 2026 Poetry Out Loud State Championships. High school students from across Oregon will gather at the Historic Grand Theatre on March 7 to compete in a dynamic display of memorization, performance and literary interpretation.
What: 2026 Poetry Out Loud Oregon State Championships
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 1-4pm
Where: Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
The students advancing to Oregon’s 2026 State Contest are (listed alphabetically):
- Alida Shi Lyons, Cleveland High School (Portland)
- Ariana Morris, Redmond High School (Redmond)
- Bena Rodecap, Grant High School (Portland)
- Drishti Singh, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
- Emma Keen, Oregon School for the Deaf (Salem)
- Gabriel Hall, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
- Josiah Gaither, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
- Kaydence Pope, South Medford High School (Medford)
- Molly Wheeler, South Medford High School (Medford)
- Rain Obiesie, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
- Samantha Faulkner, Trinity Academy (Portland)
Visuals & Media Opportunities
At the conclusion of the event (approx. 4pm), media representatives are invited to:
- Conduct interviews with the newly crowned state champion.
- Take photos of the state champion with Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson and Oregon Arts Commission Chair Jason Holland.
- A media release, images and video announcing the winner will also be made available before 8pm on Saturday, March 7.
About the Oregon Arts Commission:
A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a national program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and dynamic recitation competitions. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life. The Oregon state champion will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Finals for a chance to win the $20,000 grand prize. The winner’s school will also receive $500 for poetry materials. The runner-up will receive $100 and their school will receive $200 for materials.