Southern Voices, the MSMS literary magazine, achieved the highest rating possible and won awards for best spread design, flash fiction, narrative nonfiction, personal essay and photo at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association’s Best of Mississippi Literary Magazines contest on Oct. 31.
A yearly publication established in 1988, the magazine accepts all student submissions, which are then reviewed by two rounds of editors to determine which make it into the magazine.
“The magazine highlights the artistic and literary prowess of our student body,” MSMS senior and Southern Voices Editor-in-Chief Savannah Massey said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate excellence beyond math and science.”
Senior Megan Colley, winner of the Best Photo Award, said her experience with Southern Voices has shown her how to improve her photography. Her submission won the Best Flash Fiction Award at the contest.
“From Southern Voices, I’ve learned that I need to be more creative with my photos if I want to go anywhere with them,” Colley said. “So, I’ve spent some time experimenting with other forms of photography, like shooting on a film camera and doing more than just bird photos.”
Senior Nora Ruth Scott said her time as a writer and editor for Southern Voices allowed her to channel her artistry.
“I get ideas for creative writing randomly, and almost as soon as I have an idea, I start writing it,” Scott said. “This flash fiction was one of those sporadic bursts of creativity.”
The magazine also allows students to explore personal topics through creative means.
2024 MSMS graduate Iris Xue said her essay — which was awarded the Best Essay Award — went into the languages she speaks and how that reflects who she is.
“The essay focuses on how language has become a means of connection and identity for me,” Xue said. “I learned Chinese and English at the same time as two native languages, and my dad mentioned to me how much he’s witnessed me grow throughout high school by using my love for language for larger causes.”
MSMS English teacher and Southern Voices advisor Thomas Richardson said he’s extremely pleased with the results of the 2024 edition of Southern Voices.
“The magazine staff works hard to put the best product forward — one that reflects the talent and versatility of our entire student body,” Richardson said. “I’m proud of the statewide recognition Southern Voices has once again received.”
Southern Voices is now accepting submissions for the 2025 edition until Jan. 31. Any MSMS student can submit original manuscripts, artwork and/or photographs. For more information on submissions, see the email from Massey.
