Poetry contest

We've seen presidential candidates debate and give speeches. Some are better than others at effectively communicating a message. After all, public speaking is an art.

Recently four area high school students had a chance to practice this art in the annual Poetry Out Loud Competition. The competition, part of a national contest for ninth- through 12th-grade students, was held locally at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

The area students who competed include Mariah Griggs, New Madrid County Central High School; Bradford Hutcheson, East Prairie High School; Luke Williams, Jackson High School; and Abby Ritter, Notre Dame Regional High School.

Griggs won the local event and will go on to compete at the state level in March. The state champion will advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., and compete for the top prize, a $20,000 college scholarship.

We wish Griggs well as she moves on in the competition, and congratulations to all the area students who participated. For many, public speaking is a scary thing. But each of you has tackled this feat and will be better for doing so as you move on in your education and career.