A Sacramento County student was recognized on April 17 for her achievement in a statewide poetry competition, highlighting the importance of arts education and creative expression among young people.
Beza Getahun, who was named the Sacramento County champion of the Poetry Out Loud program, received the title of statewide winner in the competition’s creative writing component called Poetry Ourselves. She presented her work at the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Commission meeting held on April 13.
“This program gives young people an opportunity to engage with language and storytelling in a creative way,” said Melissa Cirone, grants and programs manager with the City’s Office of Arts and Culture, who introduced Getahun at the meeting. “Beza’s recognition at the state level reflects both her talent and the importance of supporting arts education in our community.”
Poetry Out Loud is a national initiative supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and administered within California by the California Arts Council. The City of Sacramento acts as both state and local partner for Sacramento County, receiving annual funding from the California Arts Council to support this effort. The city then provides these funds to the Sacramento County Office of Education to coordinate local activities.
The contest begins at classroom level before advancing through school- and county-wide events. Winners from each county compete at statewide competitions that are usually held in Sacramento either at or near legislative offices such as those found at State Capitol buildings.
After winning first place locally, Getahun advanced to compete against other top student poets from across California. She earned top honors in Poetry Ourselves—a segment focused on original work written by students—which is open only to county champions.
