Students in Greensboro and Charlotte shared personal reflections, sharp observations and humor during annual poetry competitions celebrating the National Day on Writing.
Law students in Greensboro and Charlotte offered glimpses into their lives outside the classroom through poetry that explored personal experiences, challenged assumptions and found humor in unexpected places.
The annual poetry slams, organized by 鶹Ƶ School of Law’s Legal Method and Communication Program, brought students together on Oct. 20 in celebration of the National Day on Writing, an annual observance established by the National Council of Teachers of English.
Through original poems that ranged from deeply personal reflections to witty observations about law school and life, students revealed parts of themselves that classmates and professors might not always see in the classroom.
In Greensboro, students competed in the Eighth Annual High Rhymes and Misdemeanors Poetry Slam. Charlotte students in the Flex Program held their third annual Poetry Slam, continuing a tradition that encourages creative expression and builds community among future lawyers.
Greensboro: ‘High Rhymes and Misdemeanors’
Marlaisha Vereen L’27 earned first place and the People’s Choice Award for her poem, “We Once Shared the Same Sky,” an emotional reflection inspired by a summer internship in criminal law in her hometown of Gainesville, Florida.
During the internship, Vereen encountered familiar faces from her childhood, prompting her to reflect on how differently life had unfolded for people who once shared similar dreams.
“Reconnecting with familiar faces after being away for so long caused me to reflect on how differently life unfolds for people who once shared the same dreams,” Vereen said. “As future attorneys, we must never become so consumed with learning the law that we forget the humanity behind it.”
“My hope is that my vulnerability reminds others of the importance of compassion and never forgetting where we come from.”
The Greensboro competition featured a panel of judges that included James Daniels, Greensboro’s poet laureate and an assistant professor in North Carolina A&T State University’s Department of English; Krista Contino-Saumby, director of career services at 鶹Ƶ Law; and Sue Liemer, professor of law. Trey McClenny served as emcee.
Daniels also performed an original poem, “Pushout: Ode to the Black of the City,” for the audience.
Flex Program flexes lyrical prowess
In Charlotte, Nadia Mazza LF’28 held first place for the third year with her poem, “1 & Done.” It is her third win
Nadia Mazza LF’28 captured first place in Charlotte with “1 & Done,” a lighthearted celebration of 鶹Ƶ Law’s recent bar examination success and the culture of achievement fostered by Dean Zak Kramer and the school’s “One and Done” slogan.
The poem drew inspiration from the Class of 2025’s record performance on spring bar examinations in North Carolina and 11 other jurisdictions, when 90.9% of 鶹Ƶ Law’s first-time test-takers passed. Kramer had promised to get a tattoo if the class reached an 85% passage rate.
“I thought Dean Kramer’s promise to get a tattoo was a compelling — and fun — way to show the power of shared motivation and commitment to a goal,” Mazza said. “I love how traditions bring a community together and give us meaningful ways to celebrate milestones like this!”
The Charlotte judging panel included Louis A. Trosch Jr., a retired Superior Court judge in North Carolina’s 26th Judicial District and an attorney at Conrad, Trosch & Kenny; Karen Neff, director of 鶹Ƶ Charlotte; and Gabrielle Kelly, senior assistant city attorney in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Police Attorney’s Office. Adjunct Professor Bob Minarcin served as emcee.
Greensboro ‘High Rhymes and Misdemeanors’ Poetry Slam winners
First place and People’s Choice Award: Marlaisha Vereen L’27 — “We Once Shared the Same Sky”
Second place: Elaijah Lapay L’28 — “Call”
Third place: Rachel Dale Walker L’28 — “American Will”
Charlotte Poetry Slam winners
First place: Nadia Mazza LF’28 — “1 & Done”
Second place: Somer Dice LF’29 — “The Holdout”
Third place: Auston Johnson LF’30 — “Icarus”
People’s Choice Award: Hanny Echeverria Navarro LF’30 — “You Don’t Own Me”