This article spotlights a standout young poet from Marin County who’s put Novato’s arts scene on the national map. Lillian Braly, a 17-year-old junior at the Marin School of the Arts (MOSA) inside Novato High School, just won the California Poetry Out Loud state finals and snagged a ticket to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Her win says a lot about the strength of Marin’s arts programs. It’s a big deal for students across towns from San Rafael to Mill Valley.
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Marin Student Crowned California Poetry Out Loud Champion
The California Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud state finals happened in Sacramento on March 8–9. Braly came out on top, besting all the other high school competitors from across the state.
The Novato resident performed three poems with confidence, really showing off the kind of training students get at MOSA and Novato High School. Her choices? Saturday’s Child by Countee Cullen, Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, and O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman.
- Saturday’s Child — Countee Cullen
- Casey at the Bat — Ernest Lawrence Thayer
- O Captain! My Captain! — Walt Whitman
Now that she’s California’s champion, Braly will represent the state at the national Poetry Out Loud finals from April 27–29 in Washington, D.C. The program, run by the National Endowment for the Arts, focuses on memorization, performance, and interpretation of poetry.
That approach really resonates with Marin students in places like San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Tiburon. The news is spreading fast in Marin County, and folks in the Novato–San Rafael corridor are rallying behind Braly and Marin School of the Arts.
Educators in Mill Valley and Corte Madera say her win shows the power of countywide arts education and mentorship in the performing arts. Braly’s performance has become a touchstone for students in Marin City, Sausalito, and Larkspur, who see a real path from classroom to national stages.
What the State Victory Means for Marin’s Arts Community
Braly’s win isn’t just about her personal talent. It highlights the effectiveness of MOSA’s training, which mixes high-level coaching with plenty of performance opportunities in Novato and across Marin County.
The win boosts the reputation of Novato High School‘s arts programs. It’s another reminder that Marin is a hub for young poets and performers—places like San Geronimo Valley and Fairfax included.
Next Stop: The National Finals in Washington, D.C.
The California Poetry Out Loud champion heads to Washington, D.C. for the national finals on April 27–29. This is a huge moment for Braly and for Marin County’s arts scene.
It really shows how a student from the Novato corridor can rise to national prominence. That’s what happens when towns like San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Sausalito keep investing in arts education.
A Look at Poetry Out Loud’s Reach Across Marin
- Students all over Marin County—from Larkspur and Corte Madera to Miller Valley—find inspiration in poetry.
- Public schools and local arts nonprofits in Belvedere and nearby towns are building stronger connections.
- More young poets are stepping up, gaining confidence as they memorize, perform, and speak in public.
Lillian Braly is getting ready for the national stage. Marin County’s schools, especially Marin School of the Arts at Novato High, seem set to keep lifting young voices across the county.
For folks from San Rafael to Mill Valley (and honestly, everywhere in between), Braly’s achievement feels like a big win. It really shows how Marin’s strong arts programs can help local talent break out onto the national scene.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin student wins state poetry championship
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