Every year, Pentucket High School participates in Poetry Out Loud. This is a national contest showcasing students’ presentation skills. There are three levels of competition at Pentucket: class, period, and school-wide. If one surpassed these levels, he or she is sent to a state-wide portion of Poetry Out Loud. 

As a junior, this will be my third time participating in Poetry Out Loud. Memorizing a poem may seem like a daunting task at first, but I assure students that it is an enjoyable experience. Presenting such a piece allows one to fully express themselves and gain confidence in their public speaking skills. When I was a freshman, participating in the contest drastically improved my ability to speak in front of an audience. 

After completing the school-wide level of the contest, I went on to do other poetry recitations locally. Later in the year of 2017, I recited a piece of my own at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport. Presenting my own work gave me a sense of accomplishment, for I was presenting something I put weeks of dedication into. 

As a student new to the program, do not be hesitant about participating in this event. This event allows one to grow as a person. For me, not only did I gain public speaking skills, but I developed a love for reciting poetry.