By Scarlett Downes
The IHS literary magazine entitled Voices is encouraging submissions from all students who enjoy expressing their creativity, from now until April 10.
The Voices magazine has been published annually for over 20 years, and is composed of original work from IHS students. Typically about 20-25 submissions are published in the magazine each year, each incredibly unique and authentic. Submissions in the past have included poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction/essays, and original artwork and photographs.
Sophomore Emily Buchsbaum, who helps manage and promote submissions for Voices, said, “There is no theme- we like to keep it open-ended to encourage the highest degree of participation possible. Themes often develop within the magazine organically, which is really cool and exciting!”
There really is no limit to creativity in Voices, which allows students to share their own authentic voice (anonymously or with credit) with the rest of the Irvington community.
Buchsbaum said, “We are so grateful that we have this outlet for student creative expression. We encourage all students who enjoy writing and art to submit their work, regardless of their level of experience or expertise.”
When asked why students at IHS should submit work to the literary magazine Ms. Gacevic, who supervises the literary magazine, said “First, there is an abundance of talent here at IHS. Our school has many impressive writers and we feel that they deserve to be more widely recognized for their creativity.” The magazine is a great way to showcase talent that otherwise might be kept quiet.
Other reasons given by Gacevic for students to submit their work to Voices include the pride and achievement often felt by students after seeing their hard work published, as well as “self-agency” felt by students through sharing their writing and thinking.
Gacevic said, “Taking risks to submit original artwork and writing could help students feel valued and develop a sense of fulfillment.”
