Souhegan Student Heads To State Poetry Finals

Nothing can stop this talented Souhegan poet.

Emmy McGuy has advanced onto the Poetry Out Loud state finals after coming out on top at the semi-final competition at SNHU in Manchester last night. Her memorized recitation of three poems has earned her a spot in the NH Finals at the State House in Concord on Monday, March 26.

The Souhegan junior chose to recite “The Bearer,” by Hayden Carruth; “The Children’s Hour,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and “Famous,” by Naomi Shihab Nye.

She had won the Poetry Out Loud at Souhegan High School last month using the poem "Famous," with freshman Hannah Whitney coming in second.

Dean of Faculty, Colleen Meaney, who attended the semi-final competition, said Emmy's recitations were “so earnest and vibrant; she stood out immediately, and through all three rounds.” 

If McGuy takes the state finals, she will then advances to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in April in Washington, DC, where $50,000 dollars in awards and school prizes will be distributed. Last year, Souhegan’s first year hosting the competition, freshman Olivia Vordenberg was the NH state champion. She represented the state of New Hampshire at the National competition in Washington, DC., finishing 10^th in the nation.

The Poetry Out Loud competition, presented in partnership with the NH State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. The public is invited and welcome to attend.