This year’s installment of our multi-award-winning literary and art magazine, Pen & Paper, is here!
Click link to view digital version. Paper copies will be available for purchase at school in September.

In order to introduce this year’s edition, here is this year’s Editor-in-Chief, Oola Breen-Ryan’s “Letter from the Editor”:

Dear Reader,

Creative expression has helped the world through even the darkest times, and this new issue of Pen & Paper, “Morning Has Broken”, is no exception. In “Dusk”, the first section of this issue, the work takes on a hazy quality, evoking the feeling of a cloudy sunset—the thin lines between happy and sad, laughter and tears, good and evil, real life and dreams, are blurred, just like that period between afternoon and evening, and the world becomes unsure. Then comes “Midnight”, where the pieces illustrate the darkest parts of our present world, yet still manage to find the light. Even in this section, a feeling of hope permeates the work. And, finally, “Dawn” comes. There is still heartbreak, pain, and darkness, but the morning has arrived, and the love, happiness, and joy that are always there (even if they aren’t always apparent) are illuminated by the sun.

Even in the most difficult times, hope prevails. Even in a metaphorical “midnight”, the stars are still visible. There is still beauty in the world. And, eventually, morning will break in and out.

This issue would not have been possible without everyone who contributed to, helped, and advised the Pen & Paper staff. I want to send huge shoutouts to: Mr. Snow, who advised us all year, helped us brainstorm ideas, was willing to play our really strange music requests on full blast during that one hyper-chaotic meeting, and never failed to make us laugh; Mrs. Ponden, who helped us with the Voices of Change and Unsung Heroes submissions; Upper School students who submitted work for consideration—your contributions are the reason this issue is as beautiful, poignant, and inspiring as it is; the rest of the Pen & Paper staff, who showed up first thing in the morning to edit, come up with contest ideas, judge submissions, and write for the magazine, all without complaint; and, finally, you, dear reader, for taking the time to sit with and consider the gorgeous art, photography, short stories, and poems that are contained in this issue.

Thank you.

On behalf of everyone involved in Pen & Paper, I hope that you are moved, inspired, and empowered by this issue.

And remember: morning will come.

With love,

Oola Breen-Ryan – Class of 2025

Editor-in-Chief