Club Spotlight: Fragments

Fragments is Long Beach High School’s literary and art magazine, featuring student work since the 1960s. Over the years, the publication has been nationally recognized by a number of organizations. Completely student-produced, Fragments highlights creative works of art and writing with unique formatting and designs. This year, there are over twenty members who are integral in gathering submissions, sorting work, and laying out the magazine.

The 2023 edition, Chakras, was the longest magazine to date and was produced by former editors-in-chief Chloe Silverberg and Rio Arengo (class of ‘23), as well as the rest of the sorting and layout staff. This edition of Fragments became a Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Crown Finalist for the first time in its history. From the same organization, the magazine received a gold medal for the 18th consecutive year. It also received First Class, the highest distinction, from the NCTE’s REALM Contest. Finally, the magazine was awarded First Place Special Merit, Most Outstanding High School Literary Magazine for schools 1100-1700 students from the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). These achievements are a product of the diligent efforts of the Fragments staff and advisor, Ms. Koegel. Many writers and artists also receive individual distinction from competitions like Scholastic Art and Writing and Adelphi Poetry Day.

This year’s edition will follow the theme Ocean Depths and include five sections featuring new student art and writing. Current editor-in-chief Emily Feil describes the club as an “open space of discussion that also often includes Oreos.” The club meets every Friday from 3-4 PM in room 231. If you are interested, email [email protected] for more information. Writing and art submissions are also welcome at [email protected]. Art pieces may be drawings, paintings, pottery, photos, collages, original music scores, and much more. Writing can include poetry, prose, short stories, essays, newspaper articles, or any other form of self-expression. This creative club has brought attention to many talented writers and artists at Long Beach High School and would love to see your work.