Growing up in print
A heavy silence fell upon the room as Janice Thwaites, the assistant librarian at Shatin College, began reading A Room Full of Time by Devereux Gong Powers, a Year 12 student.
As she ended the story, some of the audience were visibly moved, while others were in awe at how thought-provoking the work of a 17- year-old could be.
Ms Thwaites was reading articles from Voice, a magazine put together entirely by students.
Shatin College launched its third edition of Voice on June 10. The ceremony began with short readings.
Brenda Yuen and Cheung Ying-wah, two Year 13 students, spearheaded this year's edition.
Under the theme 'Identity', the magazine showcases creative writing, art and photography that vividly captures the thoughts of adolescents.
'The magazine is an exploration of identity,' said Chris Durban, education development advisor of the English Schools Foundation, which Shatin College belongs to.
'Some of the pieces in the magazine make you reflect on your own values.'
The magazine started two years ago when the English teacher at the time thought it would be a good idea to publish students' writing and art.
Shatin College oversees the finances for Voice, but other than this, the students run the magazine on their own.
'The best things about the magazine are that it's only the students' work and that it covers the whole age range,' said Ms Thwaites.
The process begins with an invitation to students to submit their work.
The Voice team combines the artworks with the creative writing and produce a dummy copy.
They send this to their publishing company, which handles it from then on.
The project is not just another extra-curricular activity, it is a platform for students to learn, express themselves and share with others, said Adrian Tilley, head of the English department.
Ying-wah, who is chief editor for Voice Three, used this opportunity to find out more about an interest of hers - journalism.
'I thought it would be good to see the process of publishing a literary publication,' she said.
Other members of the team, like Brenda, wanted to help build the school community.
'I feel that I've helped the school community,' she said.
'Hopefully this will spark off other artistic projects in the school.'
Some students said they found the magazine inspirational.
'I want to be a good writer like these students,' said Phelix Peer, a Year Nine student.
Matthew Evans loves reading the magazine for the pleasure of it.
'Once I start reading the stories, I can't stop until I get to the end and I wish there was more,' he said.
The Voice team hopes the magazine will encourage students in other schools to write.
Putting together their own publication will improve their English skills as well as give them a chance to share their growing-up experiences, the students said.
Mr Tilley says other schools should try it and see what happens. 'Seeing what students can say about their own lives is what the magazine is all about.'
For a copy of Voice, call Shatin College on 2699 1811
