2026.02.20 The Muse

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) proudly announces the regional winners of the 2026 Poetry Out Loud contest, celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. Over 2,974 students and 119 teachers from 31 high schools across Illinois participated, reflecting the program's enduring popularity and educational impact.

The 2026 Illinois regional winners have been selected to advance to the State Finals set for March 2 at the LRS Theater, Hoogland Center for the Arts, in Springfield, Illinois. The winners, whose names and schools are listed below, will compete for the state championship title, a $200 prize, and a trip to the national stage, alongside a $500 stipend for their school's poetry resources.

Jillian Garcia , Eisenhower HS, Central Region, 1st place; Ace O'Malley , Southeast HS, Central Region, 2nd place; Yarely Lopez , Walter Payton College Prep, Chicago Region, 1st place; Victoria Syverson , University of Chicago Laboratory, Chicago Region, 2nd place;

Lana Cooper , University Laboratory, Eastern Region, 1st place; Julia Sohn , University Laboratory, Eastern Region, 2nd place;

Jaden Conley , Niles West HS, Chicago Metro Region, 1st place;

Elliana Sheehan , Wheaton Warrenville HS, Chicago Metro Region, 2nd place;

Mikiah Gerrity , Thomas Jefferson HS, Northern Region, 1st place; Aminah Givens , Rockford East HS, Northern Region, 2nd place;

Rebekah Kreighbaum , Freeburg HS, Southern Region, 1st place;

Revolution Chaput , Chester HS, Southern Region, 2nd place;

Feben Gates , Eureka HS, Western Region, 1st place; and

Sam Miller , Eureka HS, Western Region, 2nd place

Poetry Out Loud is a national program that encourages high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and recitation. The initiative aims to enhance students' public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and deepen their understanding of literary works. The program follows a structured progression from classroom activities to schoolwide competitions, regional contests, and ultimately, the state finals. The Illinois State Champion will go on to compete at the National Finals in Washington, D.C., in April. The Illinois Arts Council extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners. We look forward to celebrating the talent and dedication of these outstanding young poets as they prepare for the next stages of their poetic journey.