Everyone seems to have a talent, whether it is excelling at a sport, singing, or performing a simple magic trick. Plenty of people have a passion for making their talents known, but some individuals have skills that are harder to showcase. If you are a student at Pascack Valley that is looking for a way to display your talents, The Literature and Arts Magazine may be the right option.

The first thing that usually comes to students’ minds when they think of the word “talent” is sports, musical instruments, or singing. This magazine, known to students as “Litmag”, was created to share the talents of  students whose artistic gifts aren’t often noticed. This can consist of writing short stories, composing original music, creating videos, or making visual art. Litmag allows students to have a voice through the work they produce.

Litmag was introduced to PV students about seven years ago. Throughout those years, students have met after school to spend time on either creating their own original work, editing the work of others, or planning events to present students’ final creations.

With the help of this year’s Editors in Chief, sophomore Rima Kaddouh and senior Charlie Leppert, and faculty advisor, Mr. Matthew Morone, Litmag has been able to achieve more and more as club grew and expanded. This year, Litmag’s annual magazine showcasing students’ original writing and art will be coming out in May.

“I would like PV to know that we are looking forward to their submissions,” senior Charlie Leppert said. “We are always looking for new people to submit their work, join the club and be a part of the community we’re building.”

Outside/In is one of the biggest achievements of Litmag’s existence. 

Recently, Litmag has not only created its website, but also an annual arts magazine. This arts magazine is a hand-picked collection of the year’s best artwork and literature submitted to Outside/In.

This year, Litmag has stepped up by hosting two events in addition to their magazines. The first event was this past December and the next event will be this May. The specific date in May will be announced shortly.

Lit out Loud, or “LOL”, is an event that typically takes place in the cafeteria and gives students a chance to showcase their talents, such as performing original music or poetry as well as presenting visual artwork. The evening event typically lasts about two hours and refreshments are provided.

“I joined Litmag when I was a freshman because I was into writing and enjoyed the performance idea,” Leppert explained. “I met Anna Bennett who ran the club at the time and she persuaded me to join. I ended up becoming Anna’s co-editor.”

Although this is Leppert’s last year being involved in Litmag, the staff is certain that Litmag will be left under great supervision when soon-to-be junior Kaddouh takes over.