![N. Cao '27]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774443017/danahallorg/ltv4xfevvf70x5oirxdt/niapol.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774443017/danahallorg/ltv4xfevvf70x5oirxdt/niapol.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774443017/danahallorg/ltv4xfevvf70x5oirxdt/niapol.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774443017/danahallorg/ltv4xfevvf70x5oirxdt/niapol.jpg","width":1200}])
N. Cao ’27 was named the 2026 Poetry Out Loud (POL) Massachusetts Champion and will be advancing to the national competition in late April in Washington, D.C. Cao beat out 11 other student finalists from high school across the Commonwealth to take home the top spot, which included a cash prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to the national competition and a $500 stipend for Dana Hall to purchase poetry materials.
At the state competition, Cao recited “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg, “Yearnings for Home” by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and “Rulers” by Fenton Johnson.
“I feel honored to be named Massachusetts POL Champion and excited to represent Massachusetts at nationals,” Cao said. “I visited the Old South Meeting House for the first time this past summer to complete a school history project. To come back seven months later and share these poems in such a historic setting was a surreal experience for me. I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Morris and my Advanced Theater class for helping me prepare for the competition and supporting me every step of the way. Poetry Out Loud has given me a space to combine my passion for poetry and performance. These poems have become a part of me, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to bring them to the national stage.”
The poetry recitation competition began in 2005, with more than 4.5 million high school participants competing since its inception. POL helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence and grow their appreciation for poetry.
Director of Theatre Daniel Morris said, “I could not be more proud of Nia for the dedication, courage and heart she showed at every level of the Poetry Out Loud journey. From the school competition to the semi-finals and all the way to the state competition, she met each challenge with determination and grace. Watching her grow, push herself and step into her own spotlight has been truly inspiring.”
The competition is run locally by The Huntington Theatre, in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council, and nationwide by the National Endowment for the Arts. Nationals will be livestreamed at arts.gov.