The Student Publishing Program first took root almost five years ago when I sought guidance from former Lexington High School student and present writer, Anthony Tedesco. I wondered how I might more constructively respond to a student's portfolio of poems that he was compiling for an independent study. My traditional assessment for composition seemed to fall short in acknowledging the power of his genuine and unconventional voice. Anthony suggested an unusual approach, helping the student to develop the skills and confidence to submit for publication. This began for me a realization that when the teaching of writing involves coaching for the purposes of expressing what students want to say to a much larger audience, connections begin to happen.

Many connections happen all at once. Grammar becomes a useful tool to apply for the purpose of getting one's point across more clearly. Literature serves as a springboard for inspiring stylistic ventures. To help students find their own voices, teachers begin to ask more questions, connecting with who their students are outside of the classroom cubicle. We become more committed to the idea that what our students say should be heard. Students surprise each other with interior monologues that exist beneath hallway facades and shared interests that transcend social groups. Reading 2:25 PM provides a genuine opportunity to recognize who's around us, which gives us a better sense of ourselves. Our student authors become their own best advocates in revealing who they are to the larger community.

What do students feel is worth writing about as sophomores turning 16? Since this is suburban Boston, the sound of "2004 World Champion Red Sox" naturally inspires passionate poetic responses. Just as our affinity for baseball has been both heartbreaking and sustaining, students write about the confusing paradoxes and perplexing relationships that exist in their own lives. Within many of the poems, short stories and essays, reflection on a particular experience also yields defining moments of clarity. Other writers find insights into human nature by examining a broader view of events, from the influences of past times to a tsunami wave that devastates humanity while its effects humanize the focus of our collective efforts.

Editing these submissions for publication required barely an apostrophe here and a comma there. The authors, working in partnership with their teachers, truly did accomplish their goal of creating clean-copy ready for you to enjoy reading. Congratulations to all of the participating writers and teachers whose efforts helped make our inaugural automated online publication such a worthy venture.

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