Wood Whispers magazine publishes during pandemic
Winner, first place Cover Art, Athena Root, Parkersburg South High School. (Photo Provided)
Winner, first place High School Photo, Cecilia Fatta, Parkersburg High School. (Photo Provided)
Winner, first place Middle School Digital Art, Emma Haines, Edison Middle School. (Photo Provided)
Winner, first place Cover Art, Athena Root, Parkersburg South High School. (Photo Provided)
Winner, first place High School Photo, Cecilia Fatta, Parkersburg High School. (Photo Provided)
Winner, first place Middle School Digital Art, Emma Haines, Edison Middle School. (Photo Provided)
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PARKERSBURG -- A global pandemic complicated but did not derail efforts to publish the annual Wood Whispers creative writing magazine.
The 41st volume of the magazine features art, photography, poetry, essays and short stories from middle and high school students throughout the county in both public and private schools.
"Wood Whispers is a year-long process," said Wood County Schools Curriculum Coordinator Ashlee Beatty. "Entries were due in January, judging was completed in February, and all school layouts were put together in March."
The day after layouts were due, Beatty said, schools closed to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The virus, which can cause severe respiratory issues, is responsible for more than 100,000 deaths in the United States and led to lockdowns and quarantines throughout the world.
Beatty said work on layouts continued during the shutdown and officials coordinated efforts via email.
The closure did cause some changes.
"Traditionally, Wood County hosts a large Wood Whispers reception in May that is catered by the students from the Tech Center at Parkersburg South High School," Beatty said. "However, this year, the reception was cancelled. Winners received their books and a letter of congratulations in the mail."
Still, Beatty said students and staff alike are proud of this year's Wood Whispers. Copies can be purchased during regular business hours for $5 each at the district's central office at 13th and Plum streets in Parkersburg. Students also will have the opportunity to purchase the magazine when classes resume in August.
"In it's 41st year, Wood Whispers has a long standing tradition of celebrating our students' talents and publishing a high quality literary magazine," Beatty said. "Each year, student work continues to impress the judges and community. We are proud of our students and the families and teachers that support them in their endeavors."