Senior Mulu Bannister placed second in the Poetry Out Loud state competition at Salina South on Feb. 29.

Bannister had to perform well at the Hays High and regional levels to be able to attend state. By being awarded first runner-up, Bannister received $100 as a personal award, along with $200 for her school to purchase poetry material.

Bannister said Poetry Out Loud is a national program that encourages students to study poetry. The program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

“I was grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the program,” Bannister said. “As a first-time competitor in Poetry Out Loud, I was happy with the placement.”

Bannister said she would have loved to compete at the next level, but she was very excited for the winner and she believed he would have represented Kansas well at Nntionals held in Washington, D.C. However, nationals has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to compete,” Bannister said. “I’m happy with how far I was able to go and the lessons I was able to learn. I learned to love poetry and the importance of each message behind each poem.”

21mmcbride@usd489.com