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Interlochen Arts Academy student Paige Cook named 2024 Poetry Out Loud State Champion
Cook, a senior theatre major, will advance to the Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals in Washington, D.C.
Interlochen Arts Academy theatre student Paige Cook (IO 21, IAC 22, IAA 22-24) has been named the 2024 Poetry Out Loud State Champion by Michigan Humanities and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
A national recitation competition, Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. The organization partners with schools and local agencies to coordinate competitions across the country. Contestants are evaluated on physical presence; voice and articulation; evidence of understanding; dramatic appropriateness; accuracy; and overall performance.
As the winner of the Michigan competition, Cook received a $1,000 prize and will represent the state at the Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals in Washington, D.C. on May 1, 2024. Cook will compete against champions from 54 other U.S. states and territories for a chance to win a $20,000 college scholarship.
Cook performed “Portrait of my Gender as [Inaudible]” by Meg Day, “When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be” by John Keats, and “Planetarium” by Adrienne Rich during the state competition.
“I didn’t know what to expect from the process, and it was more than I could’ve hoped for,” Cook said. “Connecting to my own living, creative experience with the poems and sharing them allowed me to access a vulnerable, mutual experience with the audience. I’m excited to share these works one more time!”
Hear a conversation between Cook and Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer on IPR