Maine Poetry Out Loud 2025 state finalists, from left, are Maine Arts Commission Executive Director Amy Hausmann, Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma, Abigail McCrillis, Stella Martinelli, Lyra Ricciardone, Aspen Gauthier, Aaron Soosman, Willow Knowles, Lilah Chibuye, Mercedes Plaud, Rose Lehane-Tureen, Pendo Dawe and Isaac Wright. Submitted photo

WATERVILLE — Pendo Dawe of Maine Coast Waldorf School was named the 2025 Maine Poetry Out Loud state champion at the gathering’s 20th anniversary, held March 3 at the Waterville Opera House. Dawe, who competed against 10 other high school reciters, will represent Maine at the National Poetry Out Loud competition May 5 in Washington, D.C.

Dawe’s recitations spanned themes of resilience, self-exploration and global conflict, including “Suppose” by Phoebe Cary, “It Faintly Lingers” by Ann Joe Cheol and “Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear” by Mosab Abu Toha — an epistolary poem that ponders the lingering impact of the poet’s life in a war zone, according to a news release from the Maine Arts Commission.

This year’s state finalists included:

• Lilah Chibuye — Brewer High School

• Pendo Dawe — Maine Coast Waldorf School, Freeport — State Champion

• Aspen Gauthier — Oak Hill High School, Wales

• Willow Knowles — Kennebunk High School

• Rose Lehane-Tureen — Cheverus High School, Portland — State Runner-Up

• Stella Martinelli — Erskine Academy, South China

• Abigail McCrillis — Gorham High School

• Mercedes Plaud — Representing Northern Maine

• Lyra Ricciardone — Morse High School, Bath

• Aaron Soosman — Carrabec High School, North Anson

• Isaac Wright — Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham

For more information on Maine Poetry Out Loud, visit mainearts.com.