Poetry Out Loud

2026 Poetry Out Loud State Finals

The New Mexico Poetry Out Loud champion, Hadas Frish, a 10th grader attending La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, NM, is headed to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC, April 27 – 29, 2026. Eleven high school students from schools throughout New Mexico participated in the state finals on Sunday, March 8 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

In addition to competing in the National Finals, Frish will receive a $200 cash prize, and her high school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials. As the first runner-up, Noelle Humphreys, a 12th grader at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, will receive $100, with a $200 stipend going to her school.

State and National Prizes

Each winner at the state level receives $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip (with an adult chaperone) to Washington, DC, to compete at the National Finals. The state winner’s school/organization receives $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up in each state receives $100, with $200 for their school/organization.

At the national finals, a total of $50,000 in awards and school/organizational stipends are awarded annually including a $20,000 award for the National Champion, $10,000 for 2nd place, $5,000 for 3rd place, and $1,000 for 4th-12th place. The representing schools/organizations of each of the top 12 finalists receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.

Visit the FAQ and rules sections for more details.

2026 Poetry Out Loud Participants

A young woman with light colored hair pulled back in a ponytail wearing glasses
A young woman with dark long hair
A young woman with medium length brown hair
A young man with short reddish hair
A young man with glasses and bushy brown hair
A young woman with blond hair pulled tightly back
A young woman with long red hair wearing glasses
A young woman with long brown hair wearing glasses

Hadas Frish: 2026 New Mexico Poetry Out Loud Champion
Jessica Helen Lopez: Event Student Coordinator
Michelle Laflamme-Childs: Femcee
Kevin Lenkner: Program Coordinator
Joe Calderon Phtography: Photos
 See previous years’ participants HERE

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