As high school students across the country prepare for the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, Coronado High School’s Derick “DB” Henderson is making history as the first student from his school to capture the Colorado state title, reports Hope Johncock in the school’s student newspaper.
A sophomore, he secured his spot in Washington, DC, after a masterful recitation of works by Paul Laurence Dunbar, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Ella Wheeler Wilcox. For DB, the journey began as a simple whim after a meeting of the school’s Poetry Club.
“I entered out of curiosity,” he said, “to see what the experience would be like.” That curiosity has now transformed into a rigorous training regimen.
Under the guidance of Poetry Club head Jason Klingerman, Henderson is “watching film” of past champions and studying spoken-word artists to refine his performance for the national stage.
A Powerful Year for Poets
The stakes are high: this year’s competition is specially themed to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
“In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture,” the national organization writes on its website.
Henderson will be joined in the capital by a cohort of elite young orators who have spent the winter months climbing the ranks of classroom, school, and regional competitions, including:
- Jaden Conley from Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois
- Lillian Braly from the Marin School of the Arts in Novato, California
- Joy Ogunsakin from Trinity Hall in Tinton Falls, New Jersey
- Nia Cao from the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts
Finding Their Own Voice
The motivation for these students often goes beyond just winning. For Illinois champion Jaden Conley, the experience was about finding his own voice. “I learned to trust what feels authentic to me, regardless of what anyone else is doing,” Conley shared. “A judge told me to listen to criticism but still make my craft my own craft.”
Similarly, California champion Lillian Braly reflected on the lasting impact of the program: “Poetry Out Loud was my very first chance to perform on a stage freshman year, and the joy of it has yet to leave me!”
The Road to Washington
The Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place from April 27–29 in Washington, DC. The event is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation, designed to help students master public speaking and build self-confidence through the study of great poetry.
A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed, including a $20,000 grand prize for the National Champion.
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