Sure, they’re high school students, but they’re not your everyday teens. They’re young writers with great stories to tell, and they gather in one place annually to share their talent with each other.

This year marks the twenty-sixth anniversary of the annual UCLA Writing Project’s Young Writers’ Retreat. Directed by Jane Hancock, the writing retreat took place at Lake Arrowhead from Thursday, March 18 to Sunday, March 21.

Students and instructors from all over the school district participated, including eight students and three instructors from Fairfax High School.

This year’s attendees were Diana Guerra, Tesia Yi, Porche Carter, Raymond Jimenez, Laura Rogers, David Mize, and Kia Marie Dela Cruz, Ms. Jean Miller, Ms. Pat Abrams, and Ms. Jamie O’Halloran Whitmarsh.

Students are hand-picked by teachers to attend the retreat, and are encouraged to refer to themselves as writers.

“This was my third year at the retreat. It’s a different experience each year, with different guest authors, different activities, and different students. It’s very exciting,” said Ms. O’Halloran Whitmarsh. “I’ve heard students say it changed their lives. They’re a lot more confident about sharing their work with other people, and they’re able to say they’re writers.”

The Young Writers’ Retreat, which holds group discussions, workshops, writing sessions, and open mike nights, encourages young writers to step up and share their work with a friendly audience.

“It really is a great opportunity. I think it’s a safe environment for new writers, since everyone supports and encourages each other,” said junior Laura Rogers, a second-time attendee.

“It’s been a great experience for me, personally,” added freshman Diana Guerra. “I enjoy writing, and it was nice getting to meet other students who share the same passions.”

To celebrate the young writers’ hard work, a poetry reading was held at Greenway Court Theater on April 14. Students from Fairfax, Ramona, Pueblo de Los Angeles, Lincoln, and Orthopedic Medical Magnet High Schools gathered to read their works from the student anthology one last time. Featuring a guest appearance from poet and performer In-Q, the poetry reading quickly became emotional as students said their last good-byes to each other.

“Sometimes, the sessions back at the retreat got really emotional too,” says Laura Rogers. “We all cried in the last meeting at the retreat.”

Despite lachrymose farewells, Fairfax is making a positive impact on schools across LAUSD. “Initially, Fairfax was the only school that had a poetry club,” said Ms. O’Halloran Whitmarsh. “But after the schools heard about our club at the Young Writers’ Retreat, they’re planning on following in our footsteps. Lincoln High School already created a writing club.”

“Overall, it was such a wonderful experience,” said senior Tesia Yi. “I had a great time and I think I’ve also improved as a writer.”

Students may speak to Ms. O’Halloran Whitmarsh if they wish to attend next year’s Young Writers’ Retreat.