St. Francis Indian School Student Excels at Poetry Out Loud State Finals

Sioux Falls, SD (March 10, 2025) – Earlier this year, St. Francis Indian School tenth grader Gabriel showcased his exceptional poetry recitation skills at the Poetry Out Loud State Finals at the Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Gabriel was one of eight talented finalists from across the state. He demonstrated his mastery of complex poems while delivering a trio of iconic pieces: Robert Frost's “The Road Not Taken” and “Fire and Ice,” alongside John Clare's “I Am.” His performance showed the expert mentorship he received from his mother, Marjorie Gatilogo, and his Gifted and Talented Education teacher, Heidi Tahir.

Kathryn Carls, director of gifted and talented education, and Superintendent Dani Walking Eagle supported Gabriel's participation in the program. Their commitment to fostering a culture of artistic expression and poetic appreciation was pivotal in Gabriel’s achievement.

His participation in the Poetry Out Loud program honed his recitation skills and deepened his appreciation for the art form. Gabriel's accomplishment displays the impact of dedicated mentorship and the power of poetry.

St. Francis Indian School showcased a strong presence in the competition. In addition to Gabriel, Kingston emerged as a Poetry Recitation Finalist. The school also saw an impressive number of entries in the Original Poem Writing category, with 13 submissions from middle school students and 12 entries from high school students.

“I am thrilled to see our students thrive in the Poetry Out Loud program, a testament to the power of integrating poetry into our Gifted and Talented Leadership Curriculum,” said Superintendent Dani Walking Eagle. “By embracing this holistic approach, we empower our students to cultivate essential life skills, including empathy, creativity, and critical thinking, ultimately shaping them into thoughtful, imaginative, and engaged leaders who will make a lasting difference in their communities.”

Administered by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to engage with poetry through recitation and performance. Rebecca Cruse, Deputy Director of the South Dakota Arts Council, South Dakota Department of Tourism, facilitated the state event.

Written by: Heidi Tahir, Teacher - Gifted and Talented Education