The spoken word took center stage at the Sierra Theatre on January 24th, as the Lassen County Arts Council hosted the 2026 Poetry Out Loud, county finals. Local high school students filled the second-floor auditorium of the theatre with powerful recitations, competing for a chance to represent the community at the state level.
After an afternoon of impressive performances, the LCAC officially announced Jacey Pontarolo as the 2026 Lassen County Poetry Out Loud winner. Along with the prestigious title, Pontarolo was awarded $400 in prize money and will travel to Sacramento later this year to compete in the California State Poetry Out Loud Competition.
Bringing Literature to Life
Poetry Out Loud is a national program designed to help students master public speaking, build self-confidence, and develop a deeper connection to literature. Since its inception in 2005, the program has reached over 4.5 million students nationwide.
“Poetry Out Loud lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection,” said Abby Datema, the Poetry Out Loud Coordinator and a Theater Education Specialist.
The journey to the finals was a significant undertaking for local youth. This year, the program reached five classrooms across three different schools in Lassen County. Under the guidance of Datema, students participated in workshops that focused on:
- Vocal expression and movement
- Thematic analysis of published poetry
- Performance confidence and presence
A Community Effort
The success of the competition relied on a broad network of local support. The LCAC extended special thanks to Jenn Lepage for her work with the Lassen High School competitors, as well as the panel of judges including Alex McElrath, Ruth McElrath and Lynne Sella. Phil Finkel served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The Arts Council also expressed gratitude to SPAC for the use of the theatre and to the families and community members who filled the seats to cheer on the performers.
Visit the LCAC Gallery
If you are looking to support the local arts scene further, the Lassen County Arts Council Gallery & Gift Shop has announced its limited winter hours:
- Friday, February 20th & 27th: 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.
- Saturday, February 21st: 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
For more information, you can contact the LCAC at [email protected].
