2016 Issue of INK Magazine Represents Creative Voices at FCS

The 2016 issue of INK, the Friends’ Central Literature and Art Magazine, is now available, featuring a stunning collection of over two dozen poems, prose, and short stories and over 30 works of art. Read the 2016 issue of INK here. Co-editors Grace Kauffman-Rosengarten ‘16 and Sara Thal ‘16 spent all year collecting, editing, and laying out written and visual art submissions for this year's edition of INK, and their hard work shows in this year’s outstanding magazine.

INK, which is published annually, is dedicated to presenting written and artistic work created by the student body for the student body. As co-editors, Grace and Sara, along with very talented Upper School writers and artists, helped to create a beautiful and engaging magazine that represents the diverse, creative voices within the Friends’ Central community.

For Sara and Grace, INK was not just about making a magazine; it was about the creation of an inclusive environment where each voice was supported and encouraged equally. Right from the beginning of the year, they were committed to facilitating a collaborative, welcoming, and familial environment for all. As Sara puts it, "INK's staff members have always been small in number, and I think that is the key to our family atmosphere. No voice is unable to be heard, no one can be overshadowed, and a member can't ‘hide’ in a group of less than seven people."

Both Sara and Grace were deliberate about creating a leadership style that would not just be open to suggestion and leadership from within the staff, but specifically call for all members of the group to have a hand in creating the magazine. Both editors made deliberate efforts to draw from the strength of the entire staff to create the best possible outcome. "At every meeting, Grace and I made sure to present ideas as merely suggestions, emphasizing that everything can be made better by the collective," Sara reflects.

Faculty advisor and Upper School English teacher Laurie Novo was impressed by the inclusive environment fostered by the staff. Novo shares, "INK has put out a beautiful issue, as always, but they also have a great inclusive editorial approach. During meetings, they ran writing workshops where the staff members could work on their own creative output. They raised money by selling baked goods at the Student Council coffeehouse and generally have made the Upper School community a more creative and inclusive place."

Sara says that the inclusive, family environment came easily to the staff, "This year, I came up with the term ‘Inklings’ to describe all the members of the magazine. And, in a way, I see all of our ‘Inklings’ as both my equals and students I wish to be a role model to and guiding presence for. That's what I've always cherished about INK - we don't just make a magazine; I think we also make a family."

Congratulations to the entire INK staff on another outstanding magazine! Read the 2016 issue of INK here. Check out past issues ofINK on our Publications Archive.