Colorado Teen DB Henderson Wins State Poetry Out Loud Competition

Henderson is headed to the National Finals to represent Colorado in Washington, D.C.

DENVER — Governor Polis, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and Empowered are pleased to announce that DB Henderson of Coronado High School in Colorado Springs has been named the 2026 Colorado Poetry Out Loud State Champion. Henderson will advance to the national competition April 28-29 to represent Colorado on the national stage and commemorate America 250 - Colorado 150, a yearlong commemoration of the United States' 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood.

"As the son of a poet, I appreciate the way poetry brings people together and serves as an important outlet for personal expression. I am incredibly proud of all the participating young poets and congratulate DB on this exciting achievement. Colorado is cheering you on as you represent our state on the national stage," said Governor Polis.

Presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, 2,441 Colorado youth poets participated in the program. Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about classic and contemporary poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. In recognition of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026, this year's Poetry Out Loud program focuses on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture.

"Poetry Out Loud strengthens Colorado's future workforce by building communication, critical thinking, and confidence skills that students need to succeed in any career, while fostering a lifelong love of arts. Programs like this invest in the talent pipeline that powers our creative economy and our broader competitiveness. DB truly embodies Colorado's innovative spirit and we are excited to see him represent our state on the national stage," said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.

This year's event was judged by some of Colorado's finest poets including Colorado Poet Laureate Crisosto Apache, Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius, David Daniels, Hakeem Furious, and Meca'Ayo (Tameca L Coleman).

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DB Henderson had the highest scores for his performances of "The Debt," by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, "The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and "Friendship After Love," by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. As State Champion, Henderson will receive $200 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., with an adult chaperone, to compete in the Poetry Out Loud national competition. Coronado High School will also receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.

When asked what draws him to poetry, Henderson said, "I first got into poetry in a middle school honors English class when we had a unit on suspense. We were reading Edgar Allan Poe, and I was fascinated, not just by the mystery and mood, but by the rhythm of language. Discovering iambic pentameter and how poetry could be both built and deconstructed really pulled me in."

Kavilaya Gokulagiridaran from Peak to Peak Charter School was second place, and Dallin Wightman from Liberty Tree Academy finished in third place.

A total of $50,000 in awards and school/organization stipends will be given at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, held from April 28-29, 2026, including a $20,000 award for the National Champion, $10,000 for second place, $5,000 for third place, and $1,000 for fourth through ninth places. The Colorado Poetry Out Loud competition is overseen by CCI and Empowered to encourage young Colorado performers to bring the words of great poets to life and celebrate the role of poetry in literary history and contemporary life.

Participating Poetry Out Loud students are 1.7 times more likely to have 4-year college or graduate school aspirations than nonparticipants, even after researchers controlled for other factors. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.

"DB's dedication and talent exemplify the spirit of Poetry Out Loud, honoring the rich history of poetry during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood," said CCI Director Josh Blanchard. "This national program fosters confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging for young people, providing more opportunities for access to the literary arts across Colorado and beyond."

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"We are incredibly proud to celebrate DB's success, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations and unwavering support to DB as he prepares to showcase his talents, representing Colorado," said Jesse Martinez, CEO of Empowered.

About Empowered

Empowered is a ground-breaking nonprofit, arts, education, and community-driven consulting group. We are passionate about making a difference and committed to empowering people, organizations, and communities. Our 25+ years of experience spans the education, arts and culture, and nonprofit sectors, adding a unique and creative perspective that allows us to think innovatively about your work and your organization's future. Whether you are in the education sector looking to improve educational outcomes, an arts organization seeking ways to deliver culturally responsive programming, a nonprofit set on pivoting toward the future, or a philanthropic foundation eager to innovate, let us ignite your passion for change and impact. To learn more, go to www.empowered-people.com.

About Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Creative Industries is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to capitalize on the immense potential for our creative sector to enhance economic growth in Colorado, the mission of Colorado Creative Industries is to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado's economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life. For more information, visit oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-creative-industries.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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