On January 23, 2023, three talented Merit students (Carter Fair, Caleb Mellor, and Kassidy Wong) competed in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition. The recitations were judged by Merit faculty members on accuracy, expression, presentation, and additional categories. An audience of students and staff enjoyed the event, as the participants recited multiple poems over two rounds of competition. The winner was Carter Fair, and he will represent Merit in the regional round of competition.