Senior Cristina Taylor pursues creativity through Beard Full of Butterflies

Every year, the literary publication Beard Full of Butterflies accepts submissions from students around campus, giving them recognition for their artistic creations. This project culminates in the release of a complete collection of writings, compositions, art and photographs during the spring.

Senior Cristina Taylor, one of the editors-in-chief on the Beard Full of Butterflies staff, takes both an administrative and a creative role in the publication’s creation.

“I am responsible for publicity—spreading awareness about the magazine and the submission process—and the formatting of the magazine,” Taylor said.

Beard Full of Butterflies involves an arduous process of compiling, organizing and editing the submissions the staff receives. English teacher and Literary Publications advisor Betsy Okamoto ensures that the publication, while requiring some teacher assistance, is entirely the work of her students.

“I just help them with the computer and program elements,” Okamoto said. “But that’s all I really do. Other than that, this is one hundred percent student run. It’s all their ideas and articles.”

This year, the publication hopes to expand their creative horizons beyond what they have accomplished in previous years.

“We always receive great poems and drawings, but we’re hoping to get more creative this year,” said Taylor. “Part of this requires a larger pool of submissions, but the most important thing is the creativity of those who are submitting. I would love to see someone submit a cartoon, a play, or a Polaroid—something unique.”

Throughout the year, students can submit their creations directly to Okamoto’s mailbox in the Hawthorne Office to ensure reviews, and starting second semester, English teachers will receive envelopes in which students can submit their works.