For most of us, expressing ourselves among other human beings is a tough task. The challenge becomes even greater when the expression comes from artistry. So, while those in Kaleidoscope seem to already be doing what a majority of people struggle with, why is it that this year holds even more outside influences to detract from their success?

This year had a few curveballs in store for the members as well as the sponsor, Mr. Andres Torres, of the club. On graduation day this past May, Kaleidoscope graduated all of its editors as they said goodbye to high school and ventured out into reality, although all but one stayed close, attending college a mere hour away.

“It [was] sad to think about leaving, but I loved this club from the first time I was dragged to it and then fell in love. I’ll be coming back!” Persephone Allee, former editor and freshman at ISU, said.

Although a great majority of Kaleidoscope’s population was lost as a result of the class of 2016, around 20 students, newcomers and former members alike, attended the first meeting, which took place on Sept. 6. The editors of the previous school year also thoroughly covered their bases, instituting an “apprenticeship” program for students who sought out a greater leadership role, and Mahalia Masood, junior, as well as Andreanna Haritopoulos, sophomore, decided to step up.

“I was really nervous to host our first meeting, having to be in charge of the club now, but it was easier than I thought,” Masood said.

With the start of the 2016-2017 school year has also come the start of this year-long club. Kaleidoscope is keeping the same schedule this school year, meeting on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., as well as coming out with a magazine in late spring.

Gatherings of the club have taken place over the past couple of months, a few curious students venturing in every meeting or so. Submissions have been plentiful in the poetry category as always, but Kaleidoscope is always more than willing to accept stories, art, and photography from any artist wishing to display their talents. Along with reviewing various works, the members of Kaleidoscope also zeroed in on a title for this year’s magazine, which will be “Out of Context.”

“What we want to do as a collective whole is show off what MCHS artists are made of, and so far all of our magazines have done that,” Torres said.

Over the past couple of years, Kaleidoscope has made major strides in order to improve its service to members of the club as well as the readers who purchase the magazine.

Three years ago, Kaleidoscope printed its front and back cover in color for the first time. The following year, the club showcased a magazine entitled “Level Up,” which was full color. This past school year, Kaleidoscope took another step in improving their club through printing two magazines during second semester: “Once They Were Ideas” along with the first themed magazine, “Duality.”

“I think that the people in Kaleidoscope are what make it fun, and I get to do what I want to do in a future career,” Olivia Tonelli, sophomore, said.

With new leadership this year, and a completely different dynamic than in the past, plans of the future publications and events are unknown. Without a doubt, however, there will indeed be one magazine produced, and it will stay in color, from cover to cover.

“We will do whatever we have to do at whatever time to make this club what the members want it to be, and that includes production. Without submissions, and without the support of the members, we just wouldn’t have a club,” Torres said.

Despite the struggles early on and fear of the unknown, the club has still continued to make progress. If you have a passion for short story writing, a knack for creating rhyme schemes, an eye for detail in picture, or the steadiest hands when it comes to drawing and painting, Kaleidoscope wants you.