Historic Neighborhood’s Primavera Poetry Festival lit up campus with student poetry
On Tuesday, April 22, the Historic Neighborhood hosted its second annual Primavera Poetry Festival at The Oak House, drawing students, faculty and alumni together for an evening of literary celebration and artistic expression.
The festival opened with remarks from Historic Neighborhood Faculty Director Claudine Moreau, who introduced this year’s contest judge, Elon alum Alexandra Schneider ’23. Schneider set the tone for the evening with a powerful reading of her original poem, “Vampire in the Shangri-La Hotel,” which captivated the audience.
Following the featured reading, the event transitioned into an open mic session, where students shared original poetry and music. The celebration highlighted the thriving poetry culture within the Elon community.
In addition to the readings, attendees enjoyed an open coffee bar and surprise raffle prizes, creating an energetic and inclusive environment that
encouraged both creative expression and community connection.
The Primavera Poetry Festival continues to grow as a signature event for Historic Neighborhood, celebrating the voices, talents, and passions of Elon students through poetry, performance, and shared experience.
This year’s poetry contest drew over 85 poem submissions from
students across campus. Schneider selected the following winners:
First Place: “Sapphic Ghazal” by MacKenzie Smith
Second Place: “This Is Just My Love” by Lola Moore
Third Place:“A Letter to the Long Building” by Allena Boddie-Chapman
Honorable mentions:
“Untitled Love Poem” by Finn Wilkinson
“A Baby in the City” by Georgia Vaughn
“Not Me” by LoRell McLean