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Saturday's Internet Edition, July 31, 2010.
PGHS writers selected for district publication
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Photo special to the River Valley Times
Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) teacher Benjamin Shaw is the editor and designer of ‘From the Grove,’ the Elk Grove Unified School district annual literary journal. Twenty PGHS students were selected to have their submissions included in the fifth annual publication.
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By Barbara Edwards
River Valley Times Reporter
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Talented teen writers from nine schools in the Elk Grove Unified District (EGUSD) were selected to have their work published in the district’s high school literary journal, “From the Grove.”
Of the 41 students selected to have their submissions included in the fifth annual publication, 20 were students from Pleasant Grove High School, which is the EGUSD high school serving the River Valley.
According to PGHS photography and yearbook teacher Benjamin Shaw, who is also the editor of the journal, the district received over 300 submissions for this year’s publication. “Emails are sent out to all of the high schools, specifically targeting English departments,” said Shaw. “Most students have heard of the journal by now, so they are generally hyped about submitting.”
All students in EGUSD may submit any form of writing, which is then blindly read by Shaw. Students from Advanced Placement English classes and creative writing classes in the district submit heavily for their particular schools. The best, most creative works are then chosen to be included in the journal.
What has impressed Shaw this year is the diversity of voices that the student writers demonstrate, and although he has seen more than a few vampire and werewolf submissions, he also sees a solid sense of individuality in the writing.
One individual that in Shaw’s opinion exhibited the most passion in both his writing and the journal project is Wilton resident Mike Egan, who will continue his education at the University of Santa Cruz as a Classical Studies major. Egan submitted multiple pieces of his writing that included poems and short stories. “I think I submitted a plethora of pieces,” said Egan, laughing. “I’m a short story kind of guy. I prefer fiction with a little bit of fantasy.”
One of Egan’s offerings is based on a 19th Century trading ship’s log, which required some research by the young author prior to his putting pen to paper. Egan has already had two of his works produced and performed at PGHS and intends to pursue a writing career in television or drama.
Shaw believes that offering budding authors the opportunity to see their name and work in print is an essential validation of their writing skills, as well a way to promote their talent. “Getting students excited about literature and providing a positive outlet and showcase for students who normally would be sitting is a dark corner scribbling in a notebook is reason enough,” said Shaw. “It is a celebration of students, a celebration of student writing and a way for their voices to be heard - not only in our community - but around the world.”
The literary journal “From the Grove” can be purchased on Amazon.com for $6.73.
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