POETRY Edward Represents

In the eighteenth year of the Poetry Out Loud Contest, Jackson Prep’s Edward Wilson competed with 53 other state and territory champions from around the country. First, he competed on May 9 with 17 other semifinalists from the central region of the country and made it to the top three, progressing him to the final contest. There, he competed with the top three from the eastern section and western sections. At finals, Edward recited two poems and was recognized as top three, allowing him to recite a third poem. He was named 2nd place national winner and brought home $10,000 for himself and another $500 for the school. Edward is the fourth state winner to represent MS at the national level of Poetry Out Loud.

Head of School Lawrence Coco said, “We could not be more proud of Edward and his outstanding success with a national 2nd place finish in Poetry Out Loud. Through his hard work and determination, he represented himself, Jackson Prep, and the state of Mississippi in exemplary fashion. He has shown the country that some of the best and brightest minds come from Mississippi and Jackson Prep. I commend his Poetry Out Loud coach, Jessica Wilkinson, along with all of our faculty that have supported Edward in his journey to the national competition. We have always known Edward was poised for success, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes after graduation in May.”