Reading The Fine Print
Reading The Fine Print
A new literary magazine has caught the attention of many since its debut last spring.
“The Fine Print,” a new student-operated literary art magazine, features artwork and written pieces by SoWashCo Schools high school students. The magazine features student-created works of prose, poetry, visual art, ceramics, sculpture and photography.
East Ridge High School seniors Caroline Zhang and Nina Krejci are the editors-in-chief.
“We had noticed there was no cohesive place for art and literature to be recognized in the school community,” Nina said, “so we decided to create The Fine Print.”
“The Fine Print” released its first edition “Alphabet Soup” in March 2024, followed by its second issue “Sundial” in May 2024.
“There is something special about holding a printed version of your work being celebrated,” said Caroline.
The magazine is printed and distributed within East Ridge High School and is also available for sale. One hundred percent of the proceeds from magazine sales are donated to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design scholarship fund for the K-6 art programs for under-served students.
The magazine staff has grown along with its popularity. Twelve students now work as editors, layout managers and illustrators, and they want to continue growing their team.
“We field submissions from across the district and have even got some from students in neighboring districts who have found our magazine on Instagram,” said Nina.
In their first year of publishing, “The Fine Print” was awarded seven Gold Medallions, a Journalism Educators Association Gold All-State Distinction and the Minnesota High School Press Association Best in Show First Place award.
Following their first-place award in Minnesota, “The Fine Print” was invited to attend the National High School Journalism Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Among more than 600 nationwide publications, “The Fine Print” claimed titles in the top 10 in the country in several different categories - Cover Design, Spread Design, Editorial Leadership and Social Media Promotion. Additionally, the magazine achieved the National Runner-Up award for the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Best of Show Magazine award, ranking “The Fine Print” as one of the best student magazines in the nation.
The next issue is expected to be published in May 2025. Submissions for any art and writing to be featured in that issue are currently open and high school students in SoWashCo Schools are invited to submit their work.