Mollie Flanagan Artist Programs Director | Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
Mollie Flanagan Artist Programs Director | Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
A high school senior from Classical High School, Emmanuel Obisanya, has been announced as the 2025 Rhode Island winner of the Poetry Out Loud Championship. The event took place on March 8 at the Providence Public Library. Obisanya captivated the judges with his performances of "Dirge Without Music" by Edna St. Vincent Millay, "I am the People, the Mob" by Carl Sandburg, and "Revenge" by Letitia Elizabeth Landon.
Following his win, Obisanya will advance to the regional competition scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. This event will be accessible live at www.arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud. Successful participants from this round will move on to the national finals on May 7.
Other top performers in the state contest included Jaydan Wirawan from Central High School, who secured second place, and Jennifer Shon from Portsmouth Abbey School, who came third. Honorable mentions were awarded to several students from various schools in the state.
According to Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA, "On behalf of RISCA, congratulations to Emmanuel and everyone, students, teachers and mentors, who participated in this year’s Poetry Out Loud. We wish Emmanuel the best of luck in the national competition.” Trebour further commented on the talent displayed: “These students dedicated themselves to months of preparation for this key arts education program, and we are inspired by their display of bravery, skill and passion.”
The contest saw participation from over 1,700 students, alongside 32 teachers and 13 schools from across Rhode Island. Before the finals, competitors were engaged throughout the year in learning and performing works of poetry.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Poetry Out Loud contest. Nationwide, 157,000 students competed in state championships, with 55 advancing to the national finals. Since it began in 2005, the program has involved more than 4.5 million students.
Recognition was also given to those who contributed to the success of the event, including guest poet Marlon Carey, content judges, and others who provided support and organization.
Students competing in Poetry Out Loud events benefit from the experience by improving their understanding of poetry, performance, and public speaking. The program begins at the local level, where students select poems from an anthology to memorize and present. Winners progress through further competition stages to potentially reach the National Finals.
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