The regional Poetry Out Loud competition was held on Jan. 18 at the Hays Public Library. Hays High was represented by the runner-up of the local competition, sophomore Elizabeth Emerson, because the winner, senior Nicole Feyerherm was unable to attend.

Emerson recited the same two poems as she did at the local competition and placed as the runner-up for state. If the winner from Quinter High School is not able to participate at the state competition which will be at the Lawrence Arts Center in March, Emerson will fill in for her.

“I feel pretty good,” Emerson said. “It was a good opportunity and I’m glad I made it this far.”

16bmathias@usd489.com