Formally at least, a calliope is a musical instrument that once helped introduce the industrial revolution – the sounds of locomotives and riverboats of a different era.
At South Aiken High School every year, teenage artists, photographers, poets and writers of prose create an award-winning art and literary magazine. It too is called Calliope – a muse by that name who “inspired the writing of epic poetry,” as described on the inside cover of the 2013 edition.
Extra Photos
Submitted photo
Shown is a chalk piece titled Concrete Lens by artists Tyler Richardson and Cherish Ruggles. This piece won first place in the South Aiken High School Sidewalk Art Event.
Calliope back page
Calliope front page
STAFF PHOTO BY ROB NOVIT
These South Aiken High School editors with the award-winning Calliope literary and arts magazine and other students were recognized at an Aiken County Board of Education meeting last week. Pictured, from left, are Alyssa Neiling, Haley Neiling, Tyler Perez and Fionna Harper.
The students’ entries are startling in their ideas and concepts and in the execution of their vision and writing talents. That edition’s staff includes current students and those who graduated in 2013. It easily can be accessed on the school website at sahs.acps.schoolfusion.us and then by clicking on “publications,” and is definitely worth a (very) long look.
English teacher Ginger Dunker created a literary magazine earlier in her career and Calliope arrived at South Aiken when she did two decades ago. Ever since then, Calliope has attracted students who have served as staff members and contributors – as well as others who want to submit their work.
“It’s by word of mouth and an advertised open house during freshman orientation,” Dunker said. “Most of the kids hear about writing, art, photography and design.”
The staff members for the 2013 edition were Kim Keskiivardi, Cherish Ruggles, Mikaela Johnson, Tyler Perez, Haley Neiling, Dallis Blackburn, Claire Lewis and Jacob Przywara. Teacher Linda Muse served as the art advisor.
Neiling, set to graduate next month, has always enjoyed art classes and considers herself a visual artist. Yet she has other, perhaps surprising interests, as well. She served as Naval Junior ROTC executive officer this year, while Perez was the commanding officer.
“Calliope has helped me to discover my career path,” Neiling said via email. “I would love to work for a publication such as this one day. Calliope has had a positive impact on me. It was a way I could combine my love for art and my love for literature in the coolest way.”
The magazine started with no money, Dunker said, but now supports itself through fundraisers. Online publication has saved expenses dramatically, although a few are printed.
Dunker is most proud of former staffers who went on to college magazines as editors, art managers and contributors. Some have majored in communications, art and art management. They always acknowledge their experiences with Calliope.
“It’s difficult to learn and is time-consuming,” Dunker said. “But the kids learn so quickly and so creatively. It excites me what they can produce.”
Claire Lewis admits she wasn’t as interested in math and science as some of her friends. She soon recognized her passion for writing and forming art with words.
“I love the feeling I get when I see the finished product of our magazine,” Lewis said. “Putting in so much time and so much work after school can seem pointless at first, but the end product proves that the time and energy spent was never wasted.”
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard’s education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001. He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.
Calliope Awards 2013-14
• Superior award and also the highest award from the National Council of Teachers of English
• The Most Outstanding Magazine for 2013 from the American Scholastic Press Association
• First Place with Merit from the American Scholastic Press Association
• Excellence award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association
• Superior rating from the S.C. Scholastic Press Association
Top state awards are as follows:
• Best art – Annie Pham, first place
• Best cover – Cherish Ruggles, first place
• Best photograph – Fionna Harper, second place
• Best spread design – Fionna Harper, third place