Patterns Club to Release 2022 Edition of School's Literary Magazine
The theme of this year’s issue is “escaping reality.”
By HARIS KHAN and SAIMUN AMIN
The diversity of talent at Midwood will be on display once again this June with the release of the 2022 edition of “Patterns,” the school’s literary magazine.
“Talent deserves to be publicized,” said senior Cassandre Cyriaque, the vice president of the Patterns Club. “In a traditional academic system, people sometimes have difficulty having their talents showcased. That is why we have Patterns.”
The club develops a magazine which is published annually each June, featuring a collection of art, photographs, creative writing, and poems. This year’s theme is “escaping reality.”
“We brainstorm and write poems, look for different topics, and then edit the poems and make selections for publication,” said senior Kristen Perez, the club’s president. “We also look through student pictures and artwork and correlate them with our poems.”
It's a team effort that offers some background experience for future occupations as well as a way to unite students’ creative output across the school.
“We have tried to make connections with the Art Club and even have had students write poems based on the artwork displayed in the hallway so students are connecting their writing with visuals,” said Ms. Melissa Pentangelo, the faculty advisor.
Patterns has existed for over 70 years at Midwood. Even Ms. Pentangelo herself was an editor for the club when she was a student.
“The name ‘Patterns’ has been used since the magazine started many years ago,” said Ms. Pentangelo. “I even have copies in our archives that date back to 1947.”
The student leadership is a driving force behind each issue. While Perez works to make meetings more interactive and entertaining, Cyriaque plans activities and goes to the library to find inspiration from books. “I also submit my own writing, like anyone in the club,” she said.
The club’s literary directors, such as Bryson Davis ‘22, write for the magazine. Members say there is an “equity of voice” for all the staff. Also, non-club members are welcome to submit their work to be a part of the magazine as well.
The art director's job is to sort through student submissions and use online resources to make the magazine seem more visually appealing to students. For students who are interested in writing and graphic design, this club experience might be a good fit. But it also does more than provide a way to be artistic.
“The club helps with communicating with each other, and it boosts my self esteem,” said Davis. “I love writing. It's also a good opportunity to meet new people, and it looks very good on my college application.”
“Patterns has been a great way to express my creativity and capture my emotions through writing,” said Kaitlyn Tran ‘23, who will be next year’s club president.
“It is a welcoming club,” said Perez.
The magazine will be available for purchase through the school website, or by contacting Ms. Pentangelo via email at mpentangelo@schools.nyc.gov.