The Exclusive Ink literary magazine release party on Thursday, April 26, kicked off with plenty of delicious food and refreshments. But this was just the icing on the cake…
Camaraderie has always been a big part of what makes Exclusive Ink tick. High-fives, fist-bumps, hugs, and smiles showed up in abundance during our big day, as they have throughout the school year…
After chowing down, it was time to pass out copies of Exclusive Ink to everyone in the group. I can’t tell you how excited we were to have a hand in publishing the Shortridge’s first lit mag since 1986. To be able to share the hard work of more than 30 talented students with the world was such an amazing feeling…
Although our group is usually pretty expressive (or, you know, talkative, in non-academic terms), it was refreshing to observe the brief hush over the crowd, as our students read each other’s contributions to the magazine. Truth be told, it’s hard to put down a book that you’ve played a major part in creating…
Once the books were out, we opened the floor up for students to read their work, which is the way we always like to end our Exclusive Ink sessions. For the first time all year, Doug shared one of his own poems with the group, further solidifying his coolness…
Then it was time for the SHS students to take center stage. Zuri got things started by reading “Those Girls,” the beautifully crafted poem that earned her first place in the Etheridge Knight Poetry Contest…
As she did at our end-of-the-semester party in December, Kila treated us with another reading this time around. Although we’ve been thrilled to see the influx of new writers during the past few months, it’s been wonderful to have leaders like Kila who have been around since the beginning…
Another one of our stalwarts, Eric, called up his latest creation from his cellular device. We’re all in awe of just how prolific Eric is. He probably has more poems on his smartphone than most teenagers have apps or photos of their pets…
Our biggest challenge for the day was probably fitting all of our Exclusive Ink students and volunteers into frame for a big group photo. But, as has been the case all year, the hard work paid off royally. I’m sure this snapshot will live on for a long time as a tribute to everyone who played a role in Exclusive Ink. I can’t imagine a better crew. You all are the best, and it showed every day we spent at Shortridge.
P.S. Much gratitude to Melissa for the awesome pics.