Poetry Out Loud (www.poetryoutloud.org) is a high school poetry program that encourages youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This dynamic curriculum helps high school students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.Arts Council Santa Cruz County is working with the California Arts Council for the second year to bring the Poetry Out Loud program – now in its eleventh year – to Santa Cruz County. This year two schools, Aptos and Santa Cruz High, will be competing at the county-wide level to see which students will advance to the state finals in Sacramento in late February. Mount Madonna School junior Caroline Smith will be serving as a judge. The competition will take place on Thursday night, January 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main Street, Suite 100 in the upstairs meeting room. Contact County Coordinator, Magdalena Montagne at or 831-252-5776 for more information.