Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students have participated in this dynamic poetry recitation competition. Poetry Out Loud can help students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for poetry.

California's Poetry Out Loud is the largest event of its kind in the U.S., and has grown steadily since its inception.

2026 SLO County Champion

Charlotte Bailey, Paso Robles High School

Runner-Up: Naomi James, San Luis Obispo High School

On January 31st we hosted the San Luis Obispo County Poetry Out Loud Competition at the SLO Museum of Art. Six students from across the county shared the stage to compete in two rounds of recitations. Charlotte Bailey, a 9th grade student from Paso Robles High School, was announced as the champion and will go on to compete at the California State Finals in Sacramento in March 2026.

Congratulations to all 2026 finalists: Naomi James (10th grade, San Luis Obispo High School), Maryrose Campbell (10th grade, homeschool), Orion Schmidt (12th grade, Arroyo Grande High School), Astrid Barnett-Davis (12th grade, Morro Bay High School), and Abel Richert (10th grade, SLO Classical Academy).

Past SLO County Champions

2025

Joss Robertson, Arroyo Grande High School
Runner-Up: Maryrose Campbell, Homeschool
2024

Annika Miltner, San Luis Obispo High School
Runner-Up: Kevin Merced Montes, Coast Union High School
2023

Blair Bishop, Paso Robles High School
Runner-Up: Dawson Sennes, San Luis Obispo High School
2022

Sadie Richert, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy
Runner-Up: Toireasa Marie O’Rourke, Nipomo High School