Senior wins State and competes in National Poetry Out Loud Competition

Senior Amanda Braig represented McNicholas, and the entire state of Ohio, in the Poetry Out Loud national competition held on George Washington University’s campus in Washington, D.C.  

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that sponsors a dynamic recitation competition for high schools across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills and build self-confidence while learning more about classic and contemporary poetry.  

“It was a once in a lifetime experience to watch her live on stage in our Nation’s capital,” Poetry Out Loud coach and English teacher Mrs. Laura Rupp said. “Her performances at Nationals were perfectly executed with both feeling and substance.” 

Amanda memorized, recited, and brought three poems to life on stage at the state competition. She chose “All This and More” by Mary Karr, “Amor Mundi” by Christina Rossetti, and “Self-Inquiry Before the Job/ Interview” by Gary Soto. She recited the first two mentioned at the National Preliminary competition.  

After placing third in the 2023 state finals, Amanda came back this year as an experienced competitor. She participated in the school-wide contest, advanced to regional semi-finals, state finals, and became the first McNicholas student to ever compete in the national semifinals! She was one of 53 in the entire nation selected to compete.  

“Amanda put in hours and hours of preparation and practice in order to earn her spot at Nationals,” Mrs. Rupp said. “I was really overcome with pride for her and all she has done to bring such accolades to McNicholas High School.”