2026-2027 Contest
In partnership with the Raleigh Fine Arts Society and Dasan Ahanu, United Arts is pleased to announce the return of the High School Spoken Word Contest for the fourth year. Students in grades 9-12 from schools in Wake, Durham, and Orange counties are invited to create an original spoken word poem and submit as a video recording. A panel of professional spoken word artists and poets will review all entries and select 12 finalists.
Finalists will be honored at a reception at the NC Museum of Art and the top three student submissions will be awarded $1,000, $500, and $300. All finalists will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
How to Enter:
Create a three-minute or less video of an original spoken word poem and submit through the online application form.
Deadline to Enter:
November 8, 2026 before 11:59 pm
Congratulations to the 2025 Winners!
- 1st place: Sophie Brinton, Enloe High School, Marks/Not Alone
- 2nd place: Selina Sentosa Harjo, Green Hope High School, Invisible Hand
- 3rd place: Shia Raine Edwards, Enloe High School, A Taste of the Black Experience
2025 Finalists
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- Philip Adefila, Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy
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- Zoz Alexander, Enloe High School
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- Sophie Brinton, Enloe High School
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- Alex Cox, Rolesville High School
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- Abner Sanabria Cruz, Leesville Road High School
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- Shia Raine Edwards, Enloe High School
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- Naomi Hammer, Cary Academy
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- Selina Sentosa Harjo, Green Hope High School
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- Alex Kaulfuss, Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies
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- Paola Quinones-Olmeda, Wakefield High School
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- Natalie Tarry, Green Hope High School
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- Winnie Wheeler, Green Hope High School
About the Competition
Visit Our Youtube Channel to View Past Finalists
