Lee High School is celebrating a strong showing from its Creative Writing Magnet students in this year’s Poetry Out Loud competitions, highlighted by a top-six finish at the state level.
Lee held its schoolwide Poetry Out Loud competition on Dec. 5, 2025, selecting student poets Janell Benson, Tamara King and Anna Rhea McCombs to advance to regional competition. After earning wins at regionals, the trio qualified for the state competition, held Feb. 26, 2026, at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery.
The state event brought together students from across Alabama to recognize the power of poetry and student performance. The program also featured a keynote address from Alabama Poet Laureate Jacqueline Allen Trimble.
Creative Writing Magnet teacher Ms. Sisson said it was meaningful to see Lee students perform alongside top student poets from across the state and to experience the event in the presence of Alabama’s current poet laureate.
At the state competition, Lee’s students delivered performances that reflected preparation, confidence and strong stage presence. McCombs advanced to the top six statewide, marking a significant accomplishment in a competitive field.
Lee High School administrators and staff applauded the students for representing the school with pride and for continuing to elevate student voice through writing and performance.
Their success reflects FamiLee excellence: students building their craft, taking on big stages and delivering with heart.