Eight students from four high schools will recite classical and contemporary poetry at the Southeastern Washington Poetry Out Loud contest.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. today in the Doris Roberts Gallery at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

Participants won schoolwide competitions at Kamiakin, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton and Delta high schools to advance to the regional competition.

The winner in tonight's competition will represent Southeastern Washington at the state championship March 9 in Tacoma.