WATERVILLE — Maine high school students plan to take the stage at the Poetry Out Loud state finals at 5 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St.

This milestone year honors two decades of inspiring students across the country to explore poetry through recitation, building confidence, public speaking skills and a lifelong appreciation for literature, according to a news release from Betsy Benner at Erskine Academy in South China.

This year, 11 student poets from across Maine have advanced through school and regional competitions to compete for the state title. The Academy has announced that freshman Stella Martinelli of Whitefield has advanced to the state finals competition.

The state champion will receive a $200 prize and advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., to compete for $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends. The champion’s school will receive $500 to support poetry materials, while the first runner-up will be awarded $100, with $200 for that school. The Poetry Foundation administers all monetary prizes and travel arrangements for national finalists.

This free and public event will also be livestreamed by Portland Media Center on the Maine Arts Commission Facebook page, with a final produced broadcast available later in the year.

For more information visit poetryoutloud.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!