Middle-Schoolers Unveil Their Own ‘Deep Waters’

By Keri Holt, Destin Log, Fla.

May 5–Destin Middle School debuted its first literary magazine, “Deep Waters,” this week with a specialinvitation luncheon and unveiling.

School administrators, including Okaloosa County Superintendent Alexis Tibbetts and School Board member Chuck Kelly of Destin, joined parents, teachers and students in the school’s media center to help celebrate the premier issue.

“They had to keep my hands off this magazine,” Principal Sherri Houp told the crowd. “I would have shown everyone in the world. I’m so excited. We’re here to celebrate the works of these students. What wonderful, talented people we have here at Destin Middle School.”

Deep Waters is a collection of various literary works, photography and arts conceived throughout the 2006-07 school year by the Destin students.

Publication once a year is planned.

This year’s 20-page edition features the works of about 50 students.

“Next to reading, writing is the most important skill you need to be successful,” Tibbetts told the students. “I’m very proud of your work, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing you published in many more magazines in the future. Don’t lose these writing skills.”

The magazine, which is designed to promote literacy, is the brainchild of Father Roy Marien, long-time volunteer at the school and coach of the volleyball team.

“This is an opportunity to explore the talent here at the school,” Marien said. “Those who can paint, draw and write — this is an invite for you to show us your stuff.”

About 700 copies of the magazine have been published and are available at the school.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Destin Log, Fla.

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