Pathways is the 9th grade magazine that showcases the creativity of only freshman students in aspects such as photography, fine art and writing.

The club collects pieces of work that fall under the magazine’s theme, this year’s being “Past, Present, Future.” These pieces are meant to relate to the 9th graders and showcase the creativity of freshmen.

“That’s the goal and why it was developed is, you know, to showcase the work of […] freshmen that don’t have a lot of opportunities to showcase their work in some of the more upper level publications. This was designed specifically for them and we have such a great population of talented ninth graders that we wanted to be able to [showcase their work].” said club adviser Robert Raeihle.

The art and literary magazine originally lacked color and had to be printed, but it was eventually was moved online where more people had access.

Pathways magazine has also created an Instagram account hoping to connect with Commack students.

“Right now, I’m just decorating a little intro post, and it’s going to say, ‘Pathways: Freshman, Arts and Literary Magazine,’ and then you swipe and it’s going to show the theme. Then I’m planning on doing a post about the members. It’s just going to be ‘meet the members’ and then everyone’s going to introduce themselves.” said freshman and writing editor Lily B.

There are also posters placed  throughout the school with a barcode. This accesses a Google Form which allows students to upload their art and literary pieces.

“We’re looking for nothing that exceeds a page, maybe a paragraph or two of writing, poems are great,” said freshman and Editor-in-chief Neha C.

Members believe that Pathways is a great opportunity both for themselves and others.

“I wanted to join Pathways because I think it’s a really great opportunity for me to share my writing because I love writing and I’ve never really done anything to show it. So I think that joining Pathways is definitely something that I look forward to and something that is really great for me because I love showing my work and […] I want all artists and authors to get recognized and I think that Pathways really helps with that,” said Lily.

Joining Pathways or submitting pieces gives freshmen a chance to showcase their creativity. Not only is it an opportunity to have your work seen, but students can also gain CSIP points by submitting, along with getting feedback for submissions to improve one’s art or writing style.◼️