Literary arts magazine one of 38 winners from pool of 391

By Logan Hall ’14
THE ROUNDUP

Principal Mr. Bob Ryan received an email Tuesday, Jan. 17 informing him that the National Council of Teachers of English awarded BLAM, the Brophy Literary Arts Magazine, with the Highest Award rank in their 2011 NCTE Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines.

There were a total of 391 magazines reviewed, and of those 96 were recommended for the award and 38 received the award.

Mr. John Damaso ’97, one of BLAM moderators, said he was very proud of BLAM and their accomplishments.

“Since this was our first entry to NCTE, a national organization, I was surprised by the ‘highest award’ ranking, especially since BLAM is familiar with some of the other impressive publications that received this award,” Mr. Damaso said in an email.

Mr. Damaso also acknowledged the hard work of the student editors.

“I also feel proud of the talent of the artists and writers at Brophy but perhaps more importantly the ingenuity and perseverance of student editors who have a strong yearning to get innovative art and writing out to the community,” Mr. Damaso said.

BlAM has progressed in size and content over the years.

“In its fourth year as BLAM, the literary magazine of Brophy has changed in size, scope, and mission.  The print magazine has increased from 40 to 48 to 64 pages over three years, and BLAMO offers content online,” Mr. Damaso said.

BLAM has also made many changes to their magazines in order to improve.

“Last year BLAM changed organizational structures to include six major editors and the magazine received over 500 submissions of art and writing in 2010-11. This year editors are running themed contests to generate even more content and interest in creative writing and art at Brophy,” Mr. Damaso said.

Visit BLAM’s website, BLAMO, at blam.brophyprep.org.