Poetry Forward

Poetry Forward (formerly known as Poetry Ourselves) is an optional, original poetry contest open to all Poetry Out Loud school champions and students participating in POL Virtual. ArtsWA has facilitated Poetry Forward since 2023. 

Click on the flipbook (left) to explore the Poetry Forward Anthology. It contains a chapter for each year since the contest began. These chapters include the entries selected for adjudication, as well as those recognized as the outstanding poems for that year, with QR links to audio of the winning poets reciting their work. 

In 2025, the poem “Home” by Sidra Marshall (Anacortes) was awarded first place, and poems by Luis Mata and Elizabeth McAleer (Lacey and Battle Ground, respectively) were recognized with Honorable Mentions at the 2025 Washington Poetry Out Loud State Final.  

The Poetry Forward Judging Panel for 2025 included: 

• Dr. Tod Marshall, Gonzaga University, 2016-18 Washington Poet Laureate 

• Kate Myre, Faculty at Cornish College of the Arts 

• Mery Smith, current Spokane Poet Laureate