Southeast High School student Annabelle Emuze won the Poetry Out Loud state championship and will advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., April 28-29. She is one of 52 finalists nationwide.

Emuze earned the regional title on Feb. 26, and the state title on March 13. She recited three poems at the state competition, “Celebration for June 24” by Thomas McGrath, “The Blackstone Rangers” by Gwendolyn Brooks and “Let the Light Enter” by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Poetry Out Loud is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The program encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high school students across the country. Poetry Out Loud gives students an opportunity to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.