The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with U.S. state

 arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a contest that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

After successful pilot programs in Washington, DC, and Chicago, Poetry Out Loud was launched

 in high schools nationwide in the spring of 2006 with tens of thousands of students participating. POL has grown every year with over 365,000 students competing in 2011-2012. 

On February 2nd , The Bossier Arts Council hosted the regional Poetry Out Loud contest for 

Caddo and Bossier Parish Schools. We are very proud to announce the winner is 11th grader,

 Megan Jones from Caddo Magnet High School. Megan was awarded a $100 cash prize.