LEWISTON — Lewiston High School senior Joao Victor competed at the Regional Poetry Out Loud competition on Monday, Feb. 11, at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center. He was there with representatives of 19 other schools.

Victor is the first Blue Devil ever to advance to the State Finals in Poetry Out Loud, which will be held in Waterville in March.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with state arts agencies of the United States to support Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

For more information, visit poetryoutloud.org.

Joao Victor participated in the Regional Poetry Out Loud competition on Feb. 11. He will advance to the State Finals in March.

Lewiston High School senior Joao Victor competed in the Regional Poetry Out Loud competition and will advance to the State Finals.