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.
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