Penn State Altoona English professor judges Poetry Out Loud state finals

ALTOONA, Pa. - Erin Murphy, professor of English at Penn State Altoona, served as an interpretive judge for the Poetry Out Loud Pennsylvania State Finals at the Forum in Harrisburg, Pa., on March 3.

Murphy and six other judges rated the performances of Pennsylvania's fourteen finalists. This year's winner, Xariel Banton of Lancaster, will go on to compete in the national competition April 27-29 in Washington, D.C. Runner-up Christabelle Kirkham of Carlisle will serve as an alternate.

Poetry Out Loud is a national competition in which high school students recite poems by published poets. Since its inception in 2005, more than 4.5 million students have participated. The goals are improving public speaking skills, building confidence, and expanding appreciation for poetry.

If Banton takes the top prize in April, she will be the second consecutive Poetry Out Loud champion from Pennsylvania. The 2025 national winner was Isavel Mendoza of Bethlehem, Pa.