In a dark auditorium bustling with a captivated audience of students, parents, teachers and staff, an unpretentious podium decorated with a single projector disarmingly prologues the revelations that small voices will make about their origins.
Woodbridge High School recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Project Origin by celebrating the unveiling of Anthology of volume 9.
The Origin Project (TOP), a creative writing program, co-founded by author Adriana Trigiani and executive director Nancy Bolmeier Fisher, seeks to inspire students to find their voice through writing about their origins. The initiative began by exploring the origins of Appalachia, but quickly expanded to give each student the opportunity to connect with its broad identity, rich culture and family history.
“(TOP) made me ask a critical question,” commented TOP alumnus Anthony Marovelli, “What exactly is East my Origine ?
“While there is no single experience for those of us from any diaspora, we all hoped to accurately depict our diverse backgrounds,” said Asra Shuaib, a TOP alumna.
Through this project, students take ownership of their own writing and artistic expressions and discover a community by sharing with others. Although some students may have this opportunity in English and creative writing classes, TOP places more emphasis on students’ stories within the school community. The publication of Anthology of volume 9 is a kaleidoscopic mosaic of student voices, creativity and empowerment.
“This is a fantastic opportunity!” exclaimed Michelle Garcia, Prince William County Poet Laureate. “Being still in their formative years as writers and artists, and having already published (their work) everywhere they go… It’s fantastic to watch and it’s something I wish I had while I was ‘was (at PWCS).”
In 2018, Unity Reed High School participated in Project Origin for the first time. Rhonda Carper, former assistant principal at Unity Reed High, invited Heather Abney, principal at Woodbridge High, to attend the celebration. Abney brought a copy of an anthology for Cathy Hailey, a now-retired creative writing professor.
“I was always interested in exploring my own background, identity, and family histories,” Hailey recalls, “so I encouraged English and creative writing students to do that throughout of my career.”
By participating in TOP, this was brought to the forefront in his class. Even after her retirement, Hailey continued to support Woodbridge High’s work with TOP, collaborating with school teachers Rishi Agrawal, Roxanne French and Trisha Genest, on a virtual celebration for students and alumni in 2021, and sharing of readings/arts for students and alumni. , and parents in 2022.
Unity Reed and Woodbridge aren’t the only PWCS schools joining TOP. Popularity growth includes: Brentsville and Gainesville District High Schools, Nokesville School and Saunders Middle School.
The publication of Anthology of volume 9 This is also the first time that teachers and librarians have been included in the writing. Trigiani said, “Teachers have a mission, a mission to teach, and it is a pleasure to hear your stories alongside your students. »
Director Abney said: “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Book ten!»
