March 12, 2025 –Bridge to Success Academy High School students are bringing their stories to life in a brand-new, student-produced literary magazine.
It’s an accomplishment that students and staff are especially proud of at Bridge to Success, an alternative school designed to support students who have faced challenges in their academic journey and are now working to get back on track to graduate.
“Writing made me feel like I could share my story with other students who may have struggles,” said the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Jade Brown. “I wanted them to know that these are real-life stories that people have experienced, and this (magazine) can change people's lives.”
Brown and her classmates came up with the idea for the magazine – called the Falcons – in the school’s new Creative Writing class taught by educator, Maribel Brucal.
“When somebody comes to me and says, ‘I haven't written a short story all my life, you're the first teacher who let me write a short story’ – that made me proud, because I was able to pull something from them that they haven't done before,” said Brucal. "I don't see them as different from other kids from other schools. I just treat them as they are. I tell them, ‘You don't need to be ashamed if you are going to an alternative school because you're excelling, just like students in traditional schools.’”
The first issue documents personal experiences and student success stories told through the lenses of students. It also includes helpful advice for navigating challenges such as how to get straight A’s, coming of age as a high schooler, and what it takes to be an alternative school graduate.
Jariyah Smith, current Managing Editor, says she is gaining the knowledge she needs as a young writer. She says this experience not only provides students like her an outlet to express themselves, but it’s preparing them for college.
“I want to go to college and major in English or Journalism,” said Smith. “I like writing, so I feel like this is a good opportunity to practice.”
The class plans to create a new edition every semester. Brown says she’s thankful to leave their mark on the school’s history.
“I feel like this is a legacy now at BTSA,” said Brown. “When people think of alternative schools, they automatically think of bad behavior, and I really think that doing this magazine really showcases that the school is actually a great place.”
Want to read the magazine? View it here: The Falcons: Finding Purpose, the BTSAHS Way