Southwest Missouri Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition Hosted by Connect2Culture

High school students from Stockton, Central, and Pleasant Hope will compete in the regional poetry recitation event.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Connect2Culture, a cultural arts organization in Joplin, Missouri, is hosting the Southwest Missouri Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition on Tuesday, February 10th at 2pm. The event will feature high school students from Stockton, Central, and Pleasant Hope reciting poems in front of a panel of judges, with the winners advancing to state and national competitions.

Why it matters

Poetry Out Loud is a national program that aims to build students' public speaking skills, confidence, and appreciation for literary history. By hosting the regional competition, Connect2Culture is providing an opportunity for local students to participate in this enriching program and showcase their talents to the Joplin community.

The details

During the competition, students will recite three poems that they have learned and prepared. They will be scored by a panel of judges based on factors like public speaking ability, poem interpretation, and other criteria. The winners from the regional event will advance to the state competition, and potentially the national Poetry Out Loud competition.

  • The Southwest Missouri Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 2:00pm.

The players

Connect2Culture

A cultural arts organization in Joplin, Missouri that is hosting the regional Poetry Out Loud competition.

Emily Frankoski

The Executive Director of Connect2Culture, who is excited to welcome the high school students to the event.

Dr. Hannah Dow

A judge for the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, who is a professor at Missouri Southern State University.

Julie Ramon

A judge for the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, who is affiliated with Downtown Poetry.

Cody White

A judge for the regional Poetry Out Loud competition, who is a local poet and artist.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone at Connect2Culture is thrilled to welcome high school students from Stockton, Central, and Pleasant Hope to Connect2Culture for Poetry Out Loud! This is a great opportunity for students to not only learn about and appreciate poetry, but to build their public speaking skills and confidence. We hope the Joplin community can join us in cheering on these students!”

— Emily Frankoski, Executive Director, Connect2Culture (blogspot.com)

What’s next

The winners of the Southwest Missouri Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition will advance to the state-level competition.

The takeaway

The regional Poetry Out Loud competition hosted by Connect2Culture provides a valuable opportunity for local high school students to develop their public speaking skills, appreciation for poetry, and confidence, while also engaging the Joplin community in celebrating their talents.