By Annette McLoughlin

Shakespeare knew it, and captured it perfectly. Teenagers have been passion-fueled and head-strong from time immemorial. And yet, for all the challenges those passions can present, there is a profound beauty in this age that too often goes uncelebrated.

But celebrate we must the accomplishments of the contributors to the 2017 edition of Zephyr, the Rye High School art and literary magazine now in its 55^th year of publication.

The Columbia (University) Scholastic Press Association scores each submission on a basis of 1,000 points: 200 for “Essentials” (readability) and 400 each for “Verbal” and “Visual” elements. A magazine can qualify as a “Gold Medalist” if it receives a combined score of between 800 and 1,000 points.

The 2017 Zephyr received an impressive 982 points, which qualified it for the highest prize. The magazine was awarded 188 points in the Essentials category, 398 for Verbal, and a 396 for Visual. It also received a special citation, All-Columbian Honors, for earning high points in each category.

“It was a distinct pleasure to read and critique the 2017 Zephyr,” wrote the CSPA panel. “The top-notch aspects of your magazine include layout design, writing skills, and selection of verbal and visual works.” Judges praised the use of metaphors and similes, as well as “the outstanding rhyme schemes” in a variety of poetry styles — ode, sonnet, and bilingual; and “the focus, flow, and purpose, and marvelous use of color” in the art.

Rye High teacher and Zephyr Literary Advisor George Krajca says, “The community is justifiably proud of the academic and athletic achievements of our students. We also have reason to celebrate their artistic achievements. Rye High School offers students opportunities to explore their talents in art, music, drama, and creative writing. Zephyr allows us to showcase some of the remarkable work that our students produce.”