Mount Vernon High School

Pen & Palette

Who We Are

Mount Vernon High School values artistic expression from students. One way for students to showcase their talents is through the Literary Magazine, "The Pen & Palette". The Pen & Palette is published three times per year, highlighting superior writing submitted by students in the Creative Writing class. Also featured are works of art and photography submitted by the MVHS student population.

Students taking Creative Writing compile, edit, and publish a new issue of the Pen & Palette in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters of the school year. Submissions from Creative Writing students and from the school are received before each issue. Of those submissions, only the best works make the cut. The Pen & Palette is available digitally, and students from all grades are represented. 

Mount Vernon High School as an pool of immense talent in the building -- writers, photographers, poets, artists -- and we encourage all students to send their best work to The Pen & Palette.

Submissions are open all year round. Each piece must be submitted separately.

Submit your work using THIS google form!

Pen & Palette Poetry Competition

WINNER: Zoey Zink (10th Grade)

"I am a Military Child"

I am a military child,

I wonder where we'll move next.

I hear the sound of planes,

I see flags waving in the wind.

I want stability in friends,

I am a military child.


I pretend not to be scared,

I feel proud of my Dad’s service.

I touch gifts from faraway places,

I worry about his safety.

I cry when goodbyes come,

I am a military child.


I understand sacrifice,

I say goodbye too often.

I dream of a peaceful world,

I try to be strong.

I hope for reunions soon,

I am a military child.

In my father's eyes, I see a soldier's creed,

Loyalty, duty, respect, his every deed.


With selfless service, he stands firm and true,

A beacon of honor, in all he'll pursue.


Through trials and tests, he shows his courage bold,

In the face of danger, his heart never grows cold.

Integrity guides him, through the darkest night,

With unwavering strength, he fights the good fight.


As a military child, I stand in awe,

Of the sacrifices he makes, without a flaw.

Proudly I watch him, with love in my heart,

For he's my hero, he always plays a vital part.


Dad, I'm proud of you, in every way,

For your service and sacrifice, day by day.

I love you, my hero, forever and more,

In your footsteps, I'll follow, that's for sure.

Latest Issues

Published January 29th

Published: April 29th

Our Stories

Published: TBD

Staff

Leadership

Yariana Calo De Jesus (12)

Hello! My name is Yariana, I am a senior and I'm excited to be part of the leadership team for The Pen & Palette. This is my 2nd year in Creative Writing. I'm most excited about getting to see everyone's work and recognizing Mount Vernon's creative talent. My favorite style of writing is poetry :))  

Aiden Devers (12)

Hello! My name is Aiden Devers and I'm excited to be part of the leadership team for The Pen & Palette. This is my third year in Creative Writing. I'm most excited for getting to show off the work of writers here at MV. My favorite thing to write/style of writing is Flash Fiction as it's quick and can provide some challenge for writers who want a lot of detail. 

Kathleen Silver (12)

Hello! My name is Kate Silver and I'm excited to be part of the leadership team for The Pen & Palette! This is my first year in Creative Writing. My favorite things to write about are my original characters and stories!

Student Staff

Creative Writing 1

Creative Writing 2

Creative Writing 3