Yohanna Endashaw, a high school junior from Niles West High School in Skokie, emerged as the Illinois champ in the poetry recitation showdown, Poetry Out Loud. According to a press release from the Illinois Arts Council, she’s set to represent the state at the national finals in Washington D.C. Her mastery of the spoken word has won her a ticket to the competition, staging a return after clinching the state title last year. Runner-up Kate Roth from Central High School, Champaign also received a shout-out for her commendable performance.
Over 7,000 students across Illinois threw their hats in the ring this time, all vying for regional honors and the chance to compete on a larger stage. These competitors, drawn from 44 high schools, showcased their talents in front of judges at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield on March 11. The press release dished out props to the top regionals, among them budding poet laureates Ella Meyer and Ashyla Richards of Springfield, along with Chicago’s own Jesus Chavarria and Gabriel Sakoda.
The Poetry Out Loud program isn't just about crowning winners; it's a beacon for public speaking, confidence building, and connects students with both the past and the ever-shifting tides of the contemporary literary scene. The program’s strong educational component offers students a deep dive into the world of poetry free of charge. Endashaw commented on her connection with the poem "Once the World Was Perfect" by Joy Harjo, explaining the resonance she finds in its themes of unity and peace in a fractured world, a sentiment that echoes through the halls of our collective conscience.
Endashaw's biography, as covered by the Illinois Arts Council, reveals a dynamic intersection of interests and responsibilities. Despite her work in the orchestra and on the basketball court—not to mention her leadership of an Illinois non-profit — she thrives in her academic pursuits, preparing for a future in neuroscience. Having predicted a calmer return to the national stage, Endashaw told the Illinois Arts Council that she's thrilled just to be amidst other poetry aficionados.
The national finals, slated for April 30 to May 2 at the Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University, beckons 55 of the country's finest young poets. Participants will hail from every nook and cranny of the U.S., from the mainland to distant shores like Guam and Puerto Rico. Governor JB Pritzker and IAC Executive Director Joshua Davis-Ruperto have joined in a chorus singing the praises of Endashaw and her peers. Pritzker rallied behind the young talent, stating, "Your passion for art and your hard work will represent Illinois admirably on the national stage, and I wish you the best of luck in Washington D.C. this spring," while Davis-Ruperto reminded us of the impact of poetry on personal expression. Endashaw's journey to the mic is as much a testament to her prowess as it is a narrative of Illinois' youth finding their voice in the rhythm and rhyme of language.
