Select students will participate in the annual school wide competition during the late start on Friday, Jan. 16.

In multiple English classes, teachers have picked their top performers to compete with different poets throughout all of Niles West.

Poetry Out Loud is a great way for students interested in poetry to express themselves and practice doing what they love.

“Poetry has always been important to me. When I was a little girl, my mom always read me poems before bed. I especially look forward to the competition because it is always so interesting to get the students interpretation of their poems,” English teacher and Poetry Out Loud supervisor Courtney Hanson said.

“This is my second year being a part of the Poetry Out Loud competition. I did it my sophomore year and I placed second in the school wide competition,” senior Rita Carmona said.

After the Semi-Final winners are announced, the final competition will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27.