Bellmore-Merrick school district boasts top literary magazines

Fragments and Pegasus, student-published literary magazines at Wellington C. Mepham and Sanford H. Calhoun high schools, respectively, were both recognized as a superior magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Nicole Maresca, Mepham faculty adviser and creative writing teacher, said she was honored, and the rating marked a significant milestone for the magazine’s first contest entry.

Fragments is among 375 student publications nationwide that were entered in the contest. With a club staff of approximately 20 students, all are involved in the stages of production, including the creation of literary and artwork, selection of pieces to publish, editing and layout.

The annual publication of Fragments showcases student artwork, poetry, and prose from grades 9-12, reflecting a diverse range of genres and poetic forms studied by the students.

Maresca added that “you will find many poems that illustrate a student’s deep understanding of a published work and provide a novel interpretation, an interesting response, or a mimicry of stylistic choices and craft moves.” 

“I am so glad that Ms. Maresca and the students have been formally recognized for their effort and hard work,” added Dr. Mary Allegretta, district English chairperson. “NCTE is a professional organization that has been around for more than 100 years, and it’s among the most respected professional organizations for teachers of English nationwide. So, this recognition is a big deal.”

Calhoun’s literary magazine earned a rank above last year’s excellent award with their superior rating.

Student contributors selected a theme for each edition, aiming to share both written word and visual artwork connected to that theme.

The magazine had six student magazine staff members, 14 contributing writers, and 13 contributing artists for the 2023 Pegasus edition, which focused on the theme of natural change. 

Faculty advisers Dawn Boland and Jason Boland oversee the production.

“The literary magazine at Calhoun is a place for creative minds to contribute to the legacy that Pegasus chronicles,” Dawn Boland said. “As advisers, we are proud of the creative legacy that our students have created.”

The REALM program publicly recognizes excellent literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers. REALM is designed to encourage all schools to develop literary magazines that celebrate the art and craft of writing.