April 27, 2010

 Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today met with Emily Orellana, the 2010 Nevada State Champion for Poetry Out Loud, a national organization which encourages America’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Emily attends Rainshadow Community Charter High School in Reno. Also in attendance were Emily’s grandparents Patricia and John Delgoff, NEA Deputy Congressional Liaison Mike Griffin, and a documentary filmmaker who has captured Emily’s journey on film.
 
“I congratulate Emily on her achievements in this year’s Poetry Out Loud competition,” said Reid. “I know how valuable arts and cultural programs are for the education of young people. I made sure the NEA got $50 million in the Recovery Act and will continue to fight for federal arts funding.”