On February 5, the 2025 Los Angeles County Poetry Out Loud competition took place at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, bringing together 16 talented high school students for an evening of poetic excellence. Selah Johnson, an 11th grader from The Archer School for Girls, emerged as this year’s champion. She will represent L.A. County at the state finals in Sacramento March 16-17, 2025 and received a $500 cash prize, a banner and a certificate.

The runner-up was Sonia Carrillo, an 11th grader from Crescenta Valley High School in Glendale Unified School District. She received a $50 prize, a banner and a certificate.

Thirteen students performed poetry live on stage, connecting with peers and showcasing their recitation skills. Teachers, students and family members gathered to support and celebrate the student poets. The event was hosted by actor and poet Joe Hernandez-Kolski, who also coached the students before their performances. Kristin Sakoda, Executive Director of the L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture, welcomed attendees and participants.

Poetry Out Loud is an annual program that encourages high school students to engage with classic and contemporary poetry through memorization and performance. It is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, supported statewide by the California Arts Council and locally by the L.A. County Office of Education in collaboration with the L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.