Congratulations to Houley Koundourou of Columbus, Ohio, winner of The New England Poetry Club’s 2025 Victor Howes Prize in Poetry for undergraduates.
Houley is a freshman studying Writing and Political Science at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. From the poetry slams and poetry club meetings she attended before college in her hometown of Columbus to now, writing has always been a vital part of her life. She is excited to explore the New England poetry scene, beginning with the acceptance of this award.
We are also happy to recognize the outstanding work of:
Second Place:
M. Hazel J. Hall, Plymouth State University
Finalist:
Adrian Elizalde, Yale University
Pauline Bissell, Amherst College
Honorable Mention:
Elizabeth Mackle, Colby College
Madison Courtney, Wellesley College
Matthew Caren, Massachusetts Institute of Technology