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Poetry Champ Finds Belonging in Words
30 Sep
Summary
- Jayda Dawn, an 11th grader, won the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Championship.
- She received a $20,000 grand prize for her recitations.
- Dawn described the competition experience as 'exhilarating, shocking, and belonging'.
Jayda Dawn, an 11th grader at University High School of Indiana, was crowned the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Champion in April. She achieved this honor by reciting works from poets like Langston Hughes and Albery Allson Whitman, earning a $20,000 grand prize.
Dawn described her experience as "exhilarating, shocking, and belonging," emphasizing the profound sense of community she discovered. This national competition provided a unique platform for her to connect with other young poets, fostering friendships that extended beyond the contest itself.
Poetry has been an integral part of Dawn's life since childhood, inspired by her father's work. The competition deepened her personal connection to poetry, allowing her to immerse herself in the chosen words. She believes poetry's influence will continue throughout her life, present in various art forms.
She encourages students to participate in Poetry Out Loud for the valuable experiences and the appreciation of poetry, not solely for winning. Dawn highlighted that meaningful growth and memorable moments are possible at any level of the competition.
