Sheridan High School student Lillian Baker claimed the first-place title at the 2025 Arkansas Poetry Out Loud recitation finals event. Months following her victory, the state champion will travel to Washington D.C. this coming May 6-7 for the National competition, where she could earn $20,000.
Baker covered her mouth in exhilarating shock as she was bestowed the reigning title at the state finals event, held on March 1 at the Ron Robinson Theater. Baker’s performance was met with highest regard due to her unwavering confidence and stage presence. Reflecting on her strong recitation, organizer and program manager for Arkansas Poetry Out Loud Matt Boyce remarked, “Lillian’s presentations, voice and style really stood out on stage,”
Baker is no stranger to the spotlight; she’s known for her dazzling acting and dancing achievements, which she channeled during her poetry recitations. Baker also has her theater teacher, Tonya Reck, to thank. Baker worked one-on-one with Reck to prepare.
“I couldn’t have done it without her,” Baker said in email. She added her preparation work included delving deeply into the meanings of poems and using gestures and details to build her stage presence.
“Poetry recitation has helped me fully embody the emotions and meanings of my other performances, whether it be music, or acting, or dance,” Baker said.
Reck said she has loved watching her students share their love of poetry, meet other poets and come together.
“We really appreciate the Arkansas Arts Council and Arkansas Heritage, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Poetry Foundation for bringing this program and opportunity (to Arkansas),” Reck said. “That's one of the best things about being an educator is that we get to bring these big opportunities for our students.”
Poetry Out Loud is the only poetry recitation contest in the state of Arkansas and is “more than stepping up to a microphone and memorizing words”, said Boyce. Students build stronger academic connections with teachers through the passion of literacy, and the program allows students to grace the centerstage more boldly.
“I’m impressed with Baker’s poise on stage and ability to recall her poems perfectly,” Boyce said. “I think we have a strong chance at being a top competitor at the National Competition this year.”
Baker will go May 6-7 to compete in Washington, D.C., at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. Students from all 50 States and six territories will compete.
“I’m so excited, I have been counting down the days,” Baker said. “Poetry Out Loud has been an outlet for me to share (my) love of poetry with others. It’s important because it fosters a love of poetry and creation within a younger audience, which is vital for keeping the art alive.”
The Poetry Out Loud National Finals event is open to the public. You can watch the livestream recording at noon (CST) on May 6. Watch the livestream HERE.