NV POETRY OUT LOUD 2026
Celebrating the tapestry of American stories
The 2026 Poetry Out Loud competition will focus on America250 in commemoration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence, featuring poems commemorating the rich tapestry of American stories. The state finals will be:
March 7, 2026
1–3 p.m.
Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno
Focusing on our rich literary heritage and contemporary life through memorization and performance of classic and contemporary poetry, Nevada Poetry Out Loud is a program of the Nevada Arts Council, presented in partnership with National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nevada Department of Education, and Nevada school districts.
District Finals
Carson City
Feb. 6 at Carson High School at 12:45 p.m.
Carson City Winners
- Makala Heyder (First Place)
- Claire Dillon (Second Place)
- Clark Hoffman (Third Place)
Clark
Feb. 3 at West Charleston Library at 3:30 p.m.
Clark Winners
- Sara Wang (First Place)
- Ai Kang (Second Place)
- Khloe Ohnstad (Third Place)
Douglas
Feb. 6 at Douglas High School at 3 p.m.
Douglas Winners
- Cash Bourquin (First Place)
- Violet Pierson (Second Place)
- Nathan Bertucci (Third Place)
Lyon
Feb. 4, 2026 at Jeanne Dini Cultural Center at 3:30 p.m.
Lyon Winners
- Mari Basaca Fuentes (First Place)
- Saleen Felan (Second Place)
- Daniel Mercado (Third Place)
Storey
Feb. 5, 2026 at Virginia City High School at 1 p.m.
Story Winners
- Bailey McClain (First Place)
- Henry Enrst (Second Place)
- Daniel Costell (Third Place)
Washoe
Feb. 6, 2026 at Holland Project at 5:30 p.m.
Washoe Winners
- Mia Gonzalez (First Place)
- Brynn Davenport (Second Place)
- Ava Arrington (Third Place)
2026 NEVADA POETRY OUT LOUD SPONSORS
Nevada arts Council Contact
Sogand Tabatabaei, Arts Learning Specialist & Poetry Out Loud State Coordinator
Regan Margetts, Arts Learning Specialist & Poetry Out Loud State Coordinator
