The 2021 National Poetry Out Loud Finals were held virtually as a video submission-based competition, and the NEA strongly encouraged contest organizers at all levels to hold virtual events in order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved with POL.
In accordance with that direction, Colorado’s 2021 Poetry Out Loud State Finals were held virtually, also as a video submission-based competition. The full-length 2021 Colorado POL Virtual State Finals premiered on Saturday, March 13 at 4:00 PM, which you can view below. And the one-hour Special, Words by Heart: A Showcase of the 2021 Colorado Poetry Out Loud Virtual State Finals was originally broadcasted on PBS12, Thursday, March 18 at 7:00 PM.
2022 State Champion
Aidyn Reid, Fountain Valley School
2021 State Champion
Aidyn Reid, Fountain Valley School
2020 State Champion
Kiya Cockrell, Fountain Valley School
2019 State Champion
Jesca Gilbert, Valor Christian High School
2018 State Champion
Hannah Alexander, Niwot High School
2017 State Champion
Will Edelson, Fountain Valley School
2016 State Champion
David Cendon Garcia, Fountain Valley School
Past Winners
- 2015: Jeana Lovett, Liberty High School
- 2014: Alice Kilduff, Denver School of the Arts
- 2013: Alice Kilduff, Denver School of the Arts
- 2012: Samuel Opoku, Thornton High School
- 2011: Samuel Opoku, Thornton High School
- 2010: Ben Reilly, George Washington High School
- 2009: Kaleena Kovach, William J. Palmer High School
- 2008: Brittany Harden, William J. Palmer High School
- 2007: Passion Lyons, Gateway High School