The First Circle publication is a student-led literary magazine produced by Spartanburg High School’s Honors Creative Writing class and lit magazine students. The First Circle is a place where Spartan High students can express themselves through poetry, writing, art and more. The publication is created by student editors and student artists. This year, the student editor is Sydney Mullman (12). Every year, the First Circle publication is entered into state competitions.
Katie Cockrell is the First Circle adviser, and she teaches the creative writing class. Cockrell is there to give production and editing guidance. The creative writing class contributes to the production of First Circle, however, the magazine is open for submissions to any Spartan High students. The pieces submitted are put through an anonymous grading process, done by the creative writing and First Circle students. Students in the class submit work for the magazine and help mold everything together for the final publication.
Max Fritsche (11) works on the First Circle magazine through the creative writing class.
“I am in the Honors Creative Writing class, but we still work on the magazine. The club and class work on a magazine that gets published at the end of the year. In the class, we work on editing and putting together the magazine. In the class, we have to submit 5 pieces to put in the magazine,” Fritsche said.
First Circle is a place for students to grow through the exposure of constructive criticism and guidance. Students gain hands-on experience with publications and different styles of writing and art.
Madison Ruiz (12) has gained many applicable skills during her time working on First Circle.
“First Circle has shown me how to have better conversations about what we are working on, and it has shown me what actual constructive criticism is. Having a variety of conversations with a variety of people is very helpful and helps me learn more,” Ruiz said.
The magazine not only provides a space for students to submit work inside of school, but it also opens doors for students’ publications outside of Spartan High. It is vitally important for aspiring artists to have an outlet outside of school.
Brooklyn Clarke (12) has gained self-assurance in her poetry through her work on the First Circle magazine and outside publications.
“I am a writer for First Circle, as I submit much of my poetry. First Circle has given me a creative outlet at school and allows me to share my love of poetry with everyone,” Clarke said. “Being in the club has also given me the confidence to submit my work to major publishers, and just last summer I was officially published in an anthology for young poets.”
