Two Clark County students advance to state poetry competition

CLARK COUNTY — Two students from Clark County have advanced from the Southwest Washington Regional Final to the state final for the Poetry Out Loud competition. Micah Stewart, from Cedar Tree Classical Christian School in Ridgefield, and Bethany Tuchardt, from Battle Ground High School, will advance in the competition, a national program that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization and performance. The regional final was held virtually over Zoom, hosted by ESD 112. Each student recorded and uploaded two poetry recitations and then a team of judges reviewed and scored them. “This year presented a very unique challenge for our student participants,” said Nick Shanmac, ESD 112 communications manager and Poetry Out Loud regional coordinator. “In a year full of challenges, Poetry Out Loud provided a bright spot,” ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino said in a news release. “This poetry competition provided both connection — albeit virtually — and an opportunity for students to demonstrate their talent.” Watch the ceremony and performances at https://youtu.be/rZBGZbGvRSI. Learn more at www.poetryoutloud.org.