FHS relaunches ‘Signatures’ magazine, connecting generations of student creators

FLORENCE, Ala. — After more than a decade, Florence High School's literary magazine has returned — reimagined, student-led, and rooted in a legacy that stretches back generations.

The first copies of "Signatures: Renaissance" were delivered April 20, marking the culmination of months of planning, writing, and collaboration between 11 creative writing students.

The publication revives "Signatures," a magazine dating back to the late 1970s that once earned recognition at the state and national levels.

FHS creative writing teacher Vanessa McCulloch said the reboot began as a challenge and an opportunity.

"I will be the first to admit that I have never published anything beyond my own writing, and taking on the task of producing an entire magazine was something I had never done before," McCulloch said. "However, when Dr. Westbrook and Mrs. Musgrove encouraged me to take this on, I told them I was already two steps ahead in my desire to try."

What began as a classroom project quickly expanded into a districtwide effort, with students promoting submissions across Florence City Schools through posters, flyers, and video outreach.

For editor-in-chief Cody Barnes, the project became something more personal.

"My dad — years and years ago — he was an editor for the original literary magazine," Barnes said. "Going into that and kind of feeling like I'm taking over for what he did, it feels really nice, and it feels like I'm a part of something."

Barnes said the decision to relaunch the publication as a districtwide effort was intentional.

"Instead of having it be more of just a high school thing, it would be schoolwide throughout the entirety of Florence City Schools," he said.

As editor-in-chief, Barnes helped lead outreach efforts, connecting with teachers and students across campuses to encourage participation.

"I have a tendency of being friendly and being able to make connections well," he said.

Students traveled to schools across the district in January to recognize contributors, delivering awards and prize bags to those whose work would be featured in the magazine.

McCulloch said that experience reflected the broader vision behind the project.

"This belief fueled my drive to make this reboot not just about the 11 students in my creative writing class, but about every child in our district," she said.

The title "Signatures: Renaissance" reflects both the revival of the publication and the city's identity.

"We chose the name 'Signatures: Renaissance' as a tribute to the beginning of something new and to the fact that our city is named after Florence, Italy, the home of the Renaissance," McCulloch said.

Barnes said the name also ties to the publication's purpose.

"If you think about the Renaissance era, that was the rebirth of art, literature, and music," he said. "And the literary magazine is art, literature, and maybe music."

Student Finley Dorton, who helped manage the publication's social media presence, said generating participation during the first year proved to be one of the biggest challenges.

"It was really difficult trying to find people that would actually submit, because it's our first year back running," Dorton said. "I'm just really happy that these kids got a little bit of a treat for their work."

Dorton said the magazine's design also reflects the city's identity, incorporating symbolism tied to both Florence and its Italian namesake.

"We use the fleur-de-lis as part of our logo, because that's the Florence symbol, and it's also part of Florence, Italy, where a lot of the Renaissance era took place," Dorton said.

With the first issue now in circulation, students say they hope the publication continues to grow.

"I think they will do fantastic," Barnes said of future student leaders. "We have a lot of really creative students, and I've seen very high leadership skills in all of them."

The magazine is expected to be published annually, with plans to expand participation and build on this year's foundation.

For Barnes, the experience is already leaving a lasting impact.

"Now that I'm helping to get these kids get their work out, it makes me really happy," he said. "I know that later in life, it's going to be a big accomplishment to them."

McCulloch said her goal is to one day have "Signatures: Renaissance" at the high school level while extending the publication to the younger grades through "Renaissance Jr."

Copies are available in each school office for $15.

By Jeremy Jackson