East Juniata High School Junior Sophia Varner and Juniata High School Junior Yaa Serwaa pose for a photo after receiving awards at the Poetry Out Loud competition in Harrisburg.

From staff reports

East Juniata High School Junior Sophia Varner delivers a poem at the state-level Poetry Out Loud competition in Harrisburg Tuesday.

MIFFLINTOWN — Two Juniata County high school students recently represented their schools at the state-level Poetry Out Loud competition in Harrisburg.

Sophia Varner, an 11th-grade student at East Juniata High School, and Yaa Serwaa, an 11th-grade student at Juniata High School, competed Tuesday at the State Poetry Out Loud Competition held at The Forum Auditorium.

Both students advanced to the state contest after winning their respective school competitions and placing high at separate regional events. Serwaa finished first in her regional competition, while Varner placed second to earn her spot at the state level.

Poetry Out Loud participants are required to memorize selected poems and recite them before judges. Performances are evaluated based on several criteria, including physical presence, voice and articulation, interpretation, evidence of understanding, overall performance and accuracy.

Although neither student placed at the state competition, both represented their schools and Juniata County through performances that brought poetry to life and reflected a range of experiences and perspectives.

Xariel Banton, a senior from Lancaster Catholic High School, was named state champion and will now represent Pennsylvania in the National Finals in Washington, D.C. Nationals will be held April 27-29.

Christabelle Kirkham, a junior from Carlisle Area High School, was named state runner-up.

Rounding out the top five finishers were Holly Winfield, Delta High School; Daniel Mair, Somerset Area Senior High School; and Rowena Pruett, Ridgway High School.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of Poetry Out Loud in Pennsylvania. Poetry Out Loud is a state-wide competition.