The South Carolina Arts Commission, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, invites South Carolina high schools to take part in the “Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest” during the 2009–2010 school year. High schools can sign up by contacting Frances Kablick by email at fmkablick@ arts.sc.gov, or call (803) 734-8639 by October 1.

Starting in November, students across the state will begin selecting, memorizing, and reciting their favorite poems. Students will progress from classroom to schoolwide contests to compete in one of three regional competitions: Lowcountry, Midlands, or Upstate.

Finalists will advance to the state competition on March 20, 2010. The state champion will receive $200, a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books for their school library, and an all–expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the NEA’s Poetry Out Loud National Finals on April 24–25. A runner up will also receive $100 and his library will receive a $200 poetry book stipend. The national champion will receive $20,000 and a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books for his school library.