A creative cover and a professor dedicated to the cause contributed to this year’s win for the SLAM
Lloyd Shisler
Staff Writer
SLAM, the winner of the 2012 literary magazine award, has proven itself with its 14th addition. The Award was presented at a statewide event by the Washington Community College Humanities Association, or the WCCHA. Washington is the only state fortunate enough to have its own humanities association.
Every year, various awards are given out by the WCCHA. Usually, the WCCHA awards two magazines a year based off of funding, one for low funded magazines and one for the highest funded magazines.
An issue occurred this year with the award; not everyone listed the amount of funding for their magazines. All the contenders were pooled into one and then two were picked to win the award, regardless of funding for the magazines.
After deciding, SLAM came out number one. Their cover depicting a kid standing in a paint of colors caught the eyes of the judges. Michael Darcher, the founder of SLAM; knew the magazine was good enough to win. He found the cover to be a favorite “color,” and an “eye catcher.”
Darcher wanted a literary arts magazine in the school since Pierce did not have one. The magazine was given $1,000 in “seed” money to get started from the Pierce College foundation. If the magazine did not take flight among the students or if students saw no need for the magazine, Darcher said; “We would cease to exist.”
However, this was not the case. With SLAM’s 14th edition, the magazine has risen to be more than sufficient for the students. 3,500 copies have been press ran for this magazine “the books have been flying off the shelves” commented Darcher. When asked about how he felt about the award, he replied “Pleased! Not surprised. We have won before. Felt this one was deserving; it solely showcased student work.”
Students feel particularly the same as Darcher about SLAM. Chase Goodroad said; “I think it is something to be proud of for our school to get such an award.”
Kyu Hyun Chun said; “I think it shows how talented our students are here at Pierce College, and I think it’s awesome that our students were recognized for their creativity.”
“The best thing about SLAM is that it’s leaking into other programs. Performed plays, faculty has submitted SLAM into the curriculum. This was a school effort that made this happen. Many hands make the burden light”
Darcher had one thing to say to the students of Pierce College about SLAM. “Keep writing, keep submitting and supporting, do not let a setback deter you seeking publication of your material.”
