Poetry has the power to inspire, build confidence, and give students a voice – and again this year, one Georgia student is taking that voice to the national stage. 

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Alliance Theatre announced that Tiana Jones, a junior from Whitefield Academy in Cobb County, won first prize in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud state championship. Miles McNeese from Atlanta Classical Academy took second place. As state champion for the second year in a row, Jones will return to Washington, D.C., to represent Georgia at the national finals.

Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great classical and contemporary poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. Both schools and organizations can hold local competitions, and this year, 3,921 students participated, with 13 finalists competing at the Alliance Theatre on March 8 before a panel of esteemed judges. 

In 2024, Jones was the second-place winner in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, earning a $10,000 prize as well as a $500 stipend for her school to invest in poetry materials. 

“The competitors in regionals, state, and nationals – they’re very commending of one’s work,” Jones said about her experience. “They share the same passion in poetry and performing as I do, and just to see that being taken seriously – it’s a great experience.” 

Now in its 20th year, Poetry Out Loud has impacted millions of students nationwide. Through the program, students build critical skills that will help prepare them for the next chapter of their lives and for careers in any industry. A 2020 study found participants are 1.7 times more likely to pursue higher education and 1.5 times more likely to engage in community service. 

Georgia champions have excelled at the national level, earning $55,000 in national prizes over the past decade, including a first-place win in 2017 and a second-place finish in 2024. This year, the state champion receives $200 from the NEA, with additional prizes for their school and the runner-up.

“Poetry Out Loud encourages Georgia high school students to explore new perspectives and step outside of their comfort zone,” said Tina Lilly, Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Arts. “Engaging students in this program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, all skills that benefit them for life.” 

Beyond competition, students benefit from workshops and coaching that refine their performances and deepen their connection to poetry. Educators praise the program for its ability to give students a voice.

“One of my favorite days in the classroom is instructing students to visit the POL website and ‘shop’ for poems. I tell them to find a poem that speaks for them,”said McIntosh High School English teacher Lynne Brushetti. “Poetry Out Loud [provides] a voice and audience to students who, on too many occasions, feel they have no voice.”

Get involved 

Bringing Poetry Out Loud to your city or county is more than just hosting a competition – it’s an opportunity to inspire young voices and build a vibrant arts community. The program starts at the local level, either in the classroom or with organizations such as after school clubs, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. It’s easy to implement with free, standards-based curriculum materialsprovided by the NEA and Poetry Foundation. Local competitions create pathways for students to advance to regional, state, and even national levels, where they can earn scholarships and recognition. 

For organizations and teachers wanting to learn more about starting a program this year, contact [email protected].

Explore more literary arts programs through GCA: 

• Poet Laureate’s Prize
• Arts Education Program Grants

Check out past performances and testimonials on the Poetry Out Loud YouTube channel.