May 2, 2008

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid met Rachel "Lainey" Henderson from Carson City. Henderson is the 2008 Nevada State Champion for "Poetry Out Loud," a national recitation contest. Henderson recited poetry for Reid during the meeting.

"She delivered it with such passion and enthusiasm – it was truly a wonderful performance," Reid said. "The arts are an important part of every education, and I always enjoy meeting young Nevadans who are participating in such valuable programs."

Henderson is a student at Carson High School. Students choose three poems to recite from the Poetry Out Loud anthologies. For the competition, Rachel will be reciting "Mrs. Krikorian," "It Was Not Death for I Stood Up," and "Since There is No Escape."

Poetry Out Loud is a national initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, conducted in partnership with The Poetry Foundation, state arts agencies and classroom teachers throughout the country. Each state champion wins $200 and a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national finals.