First-Time Participant Javontae Cranmo Wins Kentucky Poetry Out Loud
Javontae Cranmo, a first-time participant, has won the 2025 Poetry Out Loud state competition in Kentucky. The event, sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, was postponed due to historic flooding and winter storms. Cranmo impressed the judges with his recitation of 'I Am the People, the Mob' by Carl Sandburg.
Seven schools sent representatives to this year's competition, showcasing the growing interest in poetry recitation. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman praised the event for fostering students' skills beyond the competition. Chris Cathers, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council, commended the high caliber of performances. Cranmo, who plans to attend the University of Tampa to double major in Philosophy and English on the Pre-Law track, will now advance to the Poetry Out Loud national finals in Washington, DC, on May 5-7.
Javontae Cranmo's victory marks a significant achievement in his first year participating in the Poetry Out Loud program. His winning performance of 'I Am the People, the Mob' has earned him a spot at the national finals, where he will represent Kentucky.
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