Top: Senior artist/photographer Kali Kolberg and senior writer Arynn Curtis enjoy Escape 2006 and 2007. Bottom: Clockwise from top left–senior Andrew Eaton, Mrs. K., seniors Zach Bohley, Holly Anderson, and Paige Davis.

WHAT IS IMAGERY??

Imagery is a writers’ support group–writers who meet every other week in a comfortable location to critique each other’s work.  We also proudly publish ESCAPE each year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Press Release: Summer 2008

Fruitport High School Literary Magazine Shines

It’s been a great year for Fruitport High School’s art and literary magazine, Escape.  The magazine marked its fifteenth anniversary, and its staff was notified in early spring that the National Council of Teachers of English ranked the 2007 edition SUPERIOR.

NCTE has ranked Escape EXCELLENT or better since 1995 in the Program to Recognize Excellence in Literary Magazines (PRESLM). The magazine also earned SUPERIOR rankings in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006.

According to Lauren Chesney, high school assistant principal, the magazine highlights the literary and artistic talents of students who might not otherwise be recognized.

“Every spring I’m excited to see the latest edition because we have such a diverse group of kids who submit to the magazine.  It’s exciting to see what our students create,” Chesney says.

The goal of the Fruitport program is the same each year—to encourage young writers and artists to experience the joy of publication. “Of course, one of the best side effects of publication for our kids is the boost in their self-confidence, the kind that comes only from seeing the result of hard work,” says advisor Diane Kennedy. Because Escape is designed to motivate, advisors and staff strive to make publication possible for all FHS students who wish to submit their writing, regardless of ability level.

A unique facet of the publication is its staff—all members of Imagery, a writers’ support group at FHS.  Members meet throughout the school year at their homes and at Barnes and Noble to critique their work and to encourage each other as writers.  In February, Imagery members morph into the Escape staff. As staffers, they market the magazine, seek funding, function as the editorial board, and offer peer feedback and conferences to writers whose submissions show potential but need further revision.

Student and Imagery member Andrew Eaton says,  “As a writer I want to know if I’m good or not. When I get feedback, I feel like I get better, especially with a group like Imagery because it’s a group of artists.  They won’t just give me a generic compliment. They scrutinize my work.”

In addition to Eaton, this year’s staffers include Imagery president Paige Davis, Holly Anderson, Mary Gould, treasurer Kali Kolberg, Tony Coles, and Zach Bohley.

Several FHS departments assist in production and promotions for the magazine.  English teachers promote and incorporate Escape into their lessons.  The Art Department coordinates graphic and photographic interpretations of writers’ themes and oversees cover and reader aid art.  The Media Department works with Escape staffers on promotions and occasionally on performances related to published works.  Finally, independent study students in the Business Department Tech Lab handle design and desktop publishing duties.

“We believe friendly collaboration among departments encourages literacy in reading, writing, viewing, and technology comprehension skills—all natural by-products of stretching creativity through the arts,” says Kennedy.

Kennedy’s co-advisors include English teacher Paul Pretzer and art teacher Michael Heinz.Escape 2008 is available for purchase in the high school’s Student Services Office.