Student writers and artists showcased in Inkwell Magazine

The 2019 edition of North Royalton High School’s Inkwell Magazine, a literary publication celebrating excellence in student writing, art and photography, was unveiled on Dec. 12 in a room filled with family, friends, teachers and staff.

Inkwell is a full-color magazine, more than 90 pages long, overseen by adviser and English/language arts teacher Stacie Leatherman. High school students submit pieces in the fall, and students in creative writing classes read and select the stories, poems and artwork to be published in the magazine.

Once students choose works, a panel of English teachers selects a few pieces for further recognition. A cover art prize is awarded, as well as poetry prizes. Writers receive gift cards to local bookstores, and the artist receives a gift card to Michaels. Judges’ comments are read to the audience, offering a literary commentary on why the works resonated with them and were considered exceptional.

Awards were given to Kate Brierley, poetry; Gabrielle Brihn, poetry honorable mention; and Becca Pavelich, poetry honorable mention.

This year’s magazine featured more than 100 pieces, with the cover showcasing a watercolor painting by senior Megan Spisak.

Other artists featured in the magazine include: Alyssa Barbeck, Paige Boldt, Brierley, Brihn, Bri Bucci, Frankie DeLorenzo, Zoe Douglas, Sydney Frydryk, Dorian Harmatiy, Harikrishnan Kasi, Sakthi Kasi, Emma Kelley, John Kolosionek, Radha Mamidi, Ilysa McCoy, Pankti Mehta. Anjali Patel, Aleesha Shamblin and Colin Weitzner.

Writers featured include: Alyssa Barbeck, Brierley, Brihn, Isabella Carlucci, Jude Carver, Makayla Clark, Zoe Douglas, Dedeepya Duppi, Vincent Fink, Jaret Gold, Emilee Greathouse, Cara Humes, Sakthi Kasi, Taylor Matlock, Kellen McAllister, Serena Mraz, Anjali Patel, Pavelich, Julia Rouge, Spisak, Jude Stanley, John Young and Yana Zub.

“I have always had a passion for writing and capturing the world around me through words, a camera lens, or pen to paper,” said Brierley, a senior creative writing student. “I believe that the power of art touches the creator, but also the audience that gets to experience it. Art is so subjective and can be interpreted differently so an individual can experience it in a personal way. With this being said, I felt the need to share the work that I was proud of. Perhaps my work could spark healing, joy or thoughts in another person.” Barbeck, who submitted art and writing pieces, said, “One of the most valuable experiences I had with being involved with Inkwell was the importance of rejection. If some of my work didn’t make it in, I learned how I could revise it to make it better. Another valuable experience I had was being able to read through everyone’s work and see the vast amount of topics that people chose to write about and how people used their words to create beautiful pieces of art.”

Feature image photo caption: Inkwell Magazine’s cover features a watercolor painting by North Royalton High School senior Megan Spisak.  Photo courtesy North Royalton Schools