Northwestern Lehigh High School sophomore student Jessica Parker represented the school district at this year’s regional Poetry Out Loud contest Feb. 4 at the Allentown Art Museum, Allentown.

Parker memorized and recited three poems, “I Am Offering This Poem” by Jimmy Santiago Baca, “August 12 in the Nebraska Sand Hills Watching the Perseids Meteor Shower” by Twyla Hansen and “April Midnight” by Arthur Symons.

Kelty Tarvin, who supported Parker by attending numerous rehearsals after school, also joined Parker at the art museum to cheer her on.

Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide poetry recitation contest that encourages students across the nation to learn about poetry through the art of memorization and recitation.

While it is a nationwide contest, it has its roots at the local level.

Students start with a school competition, and then advance to regional, state and finally national contests each spring.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships are available to those talented few who advance to the final rounds.