Literary Magazine
The Albert Lea High School literary magazine’s story is one of resilience, marked by pauses, reinventions, and revivals, yet always rooted in amplifying student voices and artistic creations. Each era adds to a growing legacy of creativity that continues to evolve today.
The Early Years: Reflections (1969–1972)
The first known Albert Lea High School literary magazine appeared in 1969 under the title Reflections. Edited by students Linda Beaty, Julie Benson, Judy Burnell, and Daphne Hamborg between 1969 and 1972, the magazine ran for four consecutive volumes. These early editions established the foundation of ALHS’s tradition of student-centered creative writing and artistic exploration.No literary magazines have been found for the years 1973, 1974, or 1975, suggesting a pause in production during the mid-1970s.
Experimentation and Expansion (1976–1979)
The literary magazine returned in 1976 with a new title, Strawberry Preserves, followed by several years of The Anything Edition from 1977 through 1979. These publications were advised by Judy Knudtson and reflected a period of experimentation in both name and format. This era emphasized openness to varied creative forms and themes.
Volume 5: 1976, Strawberry Preserves
Volume 6: 1977, The Anything Edition (1)
Volume 7: 1978, The Anything Edition (2)
Volume 8: 1979, The Anything Edition (3)
A Long Hiatus and a Return to Reflections (1980–1994)
No literary magazines have been located for 1980–1986, marking another extended gap. The magazine reemerged in 1987, returning to the familiar name Reflections. Under Judy Knudtson’s continued advisement, Reflections was produced consistently from 1987 through 1994, reaching Volume 15.Although 1990 is listed chronologically, no physical proof of a literary magazine from that year has been found.
Transitional Years and New Directions (1995–1999)
The mid-to-late 1990s were a transitional period. No confirmed literary magazines have been found for 1995 or 1996, coinciding with changes in Ahlahasa newspaper advisement. In 1997, a new publication titled The Road Not Taken appeared, marking a fresh creative direction under adviser Scott Winter. After another undocumented year in 1998, the magazine resurfaced in 1999 as i mag, signaling the beginning of a long-running and evolving brand identity.
Volume 1: 1997, The Road Not Taken
The i mag / Imagine Era (1999–2018)
From 1999 forward, the literary magazine underwent several stylistic name variations, including i mag, i-mag, i magine, iMag, I-MAG, and Imag. Despite inconsistent volume numbering and several undocumented years (notably 2002–2005 and 2007–2009), the publication continued to reappear in different forms.
Notable milestones include:
- 2001: i mag earned 6th Place Best in Show under adviser Liz Keeling.
- 2006: A volume titled i magine was printed with a volume number out of sequence, reflecting the irregularity of publication during this period.
From 2010 through 2018, the magazine regained relative consistency, supported by adviser Riley Worth and later Angie Zoller Barker. These years helped stabilize the magazine’s role within ALHS Publications.
Another Hiatus and a Modern Revival (2019–Present)
No literary magazines have been found for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023, marking the longest recent gap— influenced by staffing changes and the global pandemic.
In 2024, the magazine returned under the unified title Imagine, Volume 17. The revival continued with:
- 2025: Volume 18, advised by Erin Brackey
- 2026: Volume 19, advised by Angie Zoller Barker
These recent editions represent a renewed commitment to student creativity and continuity within ALHS Publications. In 2025-26, the literary magazine became a one semester class at ALHS.
Missing Years and Call for Donations
Despite extensive research, literary magazines from the following years could not be found or verified:
1973–1975
1980–1986
1990
1995–1996
1998
2002–2005
2007–2009
2011–2012
If any alumni, families, or community members possess copies of these missing literary magazines and would like to donate them to ALHS Publications, they are encouraged to contact Albert Lea High School at 507.379.5340. These contributions would help preserve the full creative history of Albert Lea High School students for future generations.