The 17th edition of “River’s Voice” is currently in its editorial stage and expected to be released around April. For those who have never seen, or heard of this publication, the “River’s Voice” is a sampling of the genius that Rio Hondo is associated with.

You are likely to have seen the flyers asking for staff, students, and alumni to submit works of literature and/or art work. In previous years this call for cultured art and literature was answered passionately in many forms by those who have some ties to this school.

Over the years this publication has evolved from its black and white origins, into a colorful taste of the Rio Hondo life styling’s. However, as easy as it can be to get lost in the art works, the literature gives an equally appealing look into the lives of our peers, as their words showcase the brilliance spewing through this campus.

Submissions for “Rivers Voice” in literature are categorized in, poetry, short story, memoir, and one-act drama. The art works submissions are original drawings, paintings, computer graphics, and photographs.

The editors of “River’s Voice” do not aim toward a theme, yet the artist showcase similar ideas. This is seen in volume 12 as Clair Chang’s photograph, Geoff The Giant, visually presents the risk rewards of how a skaters’ passion is turned into art. Later in volume 14 the same passion is brought to life by Gabriel James Miranda, this time in the form of poetry.

The similarities of these ideas bring together the Rio Hondo community, and help mold our passion with our acquired and sharpened skills.

In “River’s Voice”, it is not uncommon to find a scenic photograph of a place you may have been to or seen, yet the artist will find ways to illustrate the magnificence that can be so easily overlooked. In the same fashion a poem in “Rivers Voice” is likely to evoke an emotion similar to one that you identify with in an intimate way. This may allow a reader to realized that they are not alone.

Even still, a short story may read much like your own life, such as your own love life for example. This is because “Rivers Voice” is who we are as a community. This is refreshing because beyond being a cultured read, this publication is done on voluntary basis and not just to get students published or recognized by four year colleges, but to bring out the hidden beauty in the community– hidden within us.

If ever you need a reminder as to why you are proud to be a Road Runner, “River’s Voice” serves as such an inspiration. And still, “River’s Voice” does more than brag of a school’s past greatness. It provides a stage for the future.

The deadline for submissions has pasted, yet now the time is right to gather ideas for next year’s Feb.  14 deadline, as only a select few stand out submissions make it to publication.

If showing school spirit is not enough inspiration, there are prizes, however, if that is your inspiration you may find that you lack the heart it takes to win. Another great reason to submit is the impact this publication can have on a resumé, which could be a great advancement toward transfer aspirations.

Nobody gets rich directly off this publication, yet as a community we are enriched by it.