Oak Ridge's new poet laureates named

The Oak Ridger
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The city of Oak Ridge has appointed a new poet laureate and youth poet laureate.

The new poet laureate is Rose Weaver, a native of Oak Ridge. Weaver's passion for poetry began at Berea College, where her work was first published in The Griot. She has since retired from Union Carbide/Wackenhut Services and has become an active member of the community, serving on several boards and working closely with youth.

Lillian Shafer, left, Oak Ridge's youth poet laureate, and Rose Weaver, the poet laureate.
Lillian Shafer, left, Oak Ridge's youth poet laureate, and Rose Weaver, the poet laureate.

Weaver, who is involved with the Scarboro Monument Committee, is also working on a book about the Scarboro 85. Her poetry has been known to inspire others to see the world from different perspectives ,stated a city news release. She has been invited to speak and read her work at various events, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through her words. In 2021, she launched the Express Yourself program, providing a platform for youth to express their talents in spoken word and visual arts.

“My direction is going to be working with young people and am hoping creative writing will encourage them to want to read and want to write,” Weaver is quoted as saying in the release. “I’m also looking to transfer our Oak Ridge history into spoken word.”

Youth poet laureate Lillian Shafer

She is already working closely with the city’s new youth poet laureate, Lillian Shafer, a junior at Oak Ridge High School. Lillian discovered her love for writing at a young age and has since honed her skills through advanced placement courses in language arts.

“I intend to use this opportunity to engage and inspire the community in literary arts,” Shafer is quoted as saying in the release.

With a passion for literary arts, Lillian intends to use this opportunity to engage and inspire her peers through poetry. Her goal is to ignite a love for writing among fellow students and showcase the power of words in conveying emotions.

“We’re confident that both Ms. Weaver and Ms. Shafer will bring creativity and inspiration to the Oak Ridge community through their roles as poet laureate and youth poet laureate,” Oak Ridge Public Library Director Julie Forkner said. “We look forward to seeing their contributions and the impact they will make on our community.”

Weaver serves a two-year term and Shafer serves a one-year term. For more information on the poet laureates, visit oakridgetn.gov/poetlaureates.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge's new poet laureates named