The Poetry Out Loud Program, “Made me better at analyzing poems,” states Diamond Vang, Trinity County’s champion for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud competition. “Poetry is more than an art form, it is storytelling. I have been inspired to start writing my own poems.”
The second place winner is Jewel Young, who will take the stage in Sacramento if Diamond cannot attend.
Diamond was among six students who performed poems at the Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 25th. All were competing for the honor of representing Trinity County at the state championship in Sacramento on March 8, 2026. If Diamond succeeds in Sacramento, she will go to Washington D.C. and compete in the National Competition in April.
Each student memorized two poems from an anthology of over 1000 poems spanning many centuries. Coaches Chriss Williams, Joe Hall, and Laila Cassis spent many hours with students helping them understand the nuanced meaning of their poems. They worked to gain understanding of what the poet was trying to impart and how best to convey the poem to an audience so that they, too, would gain understanding. The joyful jibes and banter echoed through the wings as students supported each other with no sense of cut-throat competition. Emcee, Joanne Tucker, set the tone with humor and kindness.
“I enjoy being able to share the Poetry Out Loud experience with other people,” Jewel Young expressed. “I have solo stage fright and get choked up when alone on stage. Poetry Out Loud has helped me in my acting.”
Most students found that the program helped them gain confidence in public speaking. They learned to “analyze the hidden meaning” by understanding the language of the times and “reading between the lines.”
While only two students received cash awards for first and second place, it was clear to all that there were NO losers. Each student reached their goal of memorizing two complex poems, understanding them and reciting them with clarity, poise, and confidence. Spectators offered numerous comments as they left the theater, sharing their great sense of pride in these six students. Trinity County is very clearly producing young vibrant thoughtful leaders.
The Trinity County Arts Council is grateful to our community for supporting Poetry Out Loud. We’ll see you next year !
