WOS student writers publish two new anthologies
Student writers sign a copy of "Open the Door 16" (Cyndi Grimes)
McCall, Hawkins address WOS students
On October 24, 2013, family members, guests, and Department of Youth Services (DYS) students, administrators, faculty, and staff filled the chapel on the DYS Mt. Meigs Campus to celebrate the release of the sixteenth installment of Open the Door, an anthology series edited by teaching writer Marlin “Bart” Barton and written by his students in the Writing Our Stories (WOS) program. Anthony E. McCall Sr., Montgomery Academy’s Athletic Director and head football and basketball coach, delivered the keynote speech.
Ten McNeel School Writing Our Stories student writers read their work or the work of others at the release ceremony for Behind the Gate, an anthology of poems and stories, at the Department of Youth Services (DYS) Vacca Campus Chapel on October 31, 2013. Two of the ten students returned to campus to celebrate with their fellow writers, family members, guests, administrators, faculty, staff, and state dignitaries. Poet and community activist Brian Hawkins delivered the keynote address.
Below is a photo gallery from the Mt. Meigs & Vacca events. Click the thumbnail to enlarge the photos & captions.
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Mt. Meigs keynote speaker Anthony McCall
Mt. Meigs keynote speaker Anthony McCall addresses the audience. (Cyndi Grimes 0064)
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Jeanie Thompson welcomes audience
Alabama Writers’ Forum Executive Director Jeanie Thompson welcomes the audience to the book release ceremony. (Cyndi Grimes 0041)
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Mt. Meigs students read along
Mt. Meigs students read along with their classmates. (Cyndi Grimes 0116)
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Student writer autographs book
A student writer autographs a copy of Open the Door 16. (Cyndi Grimes 0125)
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Marlin Barton introduces students
Teaching writer Marlin “Bart” Barton introduces his newly published authors. (Cyndi Grimes 0106)
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Rhonda Goff Barton with Halloween treats
Rhonda Goff Barton prepared snacks for the student writers. The wife of teaching writer Marlin “Bart” Barton, Rhonda also took the cover photo for Open the Door 16. (Cyndi Grimes 0032)
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Anthony McCall & Rafael Richardson
Keynote speaker Anthony McCall chats with DYS Schools Superintendent Rafael Richardson after the book release ceremony. (Cyndi Grimes 0142)
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Hosea Addison with “Open the Door 16”
Dr. Hosea Addison, former Mt. Meigs teacher and presently a vice principal at Autauga County High School, with his autographed copy of Open the Door 16. (Cyndi Grimes 0143)
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"Open the Door 16"
Open the Door 16, edited by Marlin “Bart” Barton. Cover photo by Rhonda Goff Barton.
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Vacca keynote speaker Brian Hawkins
Keynote speaker Brian Hawkins addresses the audience at the DYS Vacca Chapel. (Philip E. Griffith 249lo)
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DYS Director Walter Wood
Department of Youth Services Director Walter Wood welcomes the student authors and guests to the DYS Vacca Campus Chapel. (Philip E. Griffith 6451alo)
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McNeel School Principal Arthur Tigner
McNeel School Principal Arthur Tigner opens the student reading with a poem of his own. (Philip E. Griffith 6460lo)
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Teaching writer Tony Crunk
Teaching writer Tony Crunk introduces his student writers. (Philip E. Griffith 6504lo)
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Students read along
Students read along with their classmates. (Philip E. Griffith 275lo)
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Brian Hawkins and Chervis Isom
Keynote speaker Brian Hawkins and former McNeel School teacher Chervis Isom stop to chat after the student reading. (Philip E. Griffith 6447alo)
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Cooperating teacher Harold Abram Jr.
Cooperating teacher Harold Abram Jr. has his copy of Behind the Gate signed. (Philip E. Griffith 6521lo)
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Student writers sign autographs
Student writers autograph a copy of Behind the Gate. (Philip E. Griffith 6549lo)
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“Behind the Gate”
Behind the Gate, edited by Tony Crunk. Cover photo by Rhonda Goff Barton.
