Jayda Dawn| Class of 2023

July 15, 2026 update

Congratulations to Jayda Dawn on being named the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Champion!

Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide recitation competition that challenges students to interpret and perform classic poetry. Jayda advanced from the Indiana state competition to the national finals in Washington, D.C., where she was crowned the 2026 national champion.

She performed The Southland's Charms and Freedom's Magnitude by Albery Allson Whitman, and The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes, a poem that Jayda was excited to perform because she first encountered this poem during a seventh-grade recitation at The Oaks. You can watch her recitation of The Southland's Charms and Freedom's Magnitude by Albery Allson Whitman here.

Jayda's passion for poetry began at just 7 years old through the Asante Children's Theatre, where she helped write original productions featuring poetry and rap. Since then, her love for writing and performance has continued to grow, leading her to the national stage. You can watch Jayda's Ask and Tell interview here.

Reflecting on her time at The Oaks, Jayda shared that the school's strong academic foundation and emphasis on developing good habits prepared her for the rigor of high school and gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities like Poetry Out Loud. She also still uses memorization techniques she first learned at The Oaks when preparing for performances.

Jayda is going into her senior year at University high school. She hopes to attend an HBCU with a strong performing arts program while pursuing another field of study alongside her passion for the arts. We are incredibly proud of Jayda and look forward to seeing where her talent and dedication take her next.