GROTON, Conn. – Last month, Fitch’s literary magazine received a top rank from the National Council of Teachers of English.

REALM, or Recognizing Excellence In Art and Literary Magazines, is an organization run by the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English), which is dedicated to improving English education all over the world. On Jan. 22, Amphora, Fitch’s literary magazine, received word that REALM awarded the ‘24-’25 edition First Class, the highest rank possible. Previous editions of the magazine had received the “Superior” rank, but never First Class. Out of the 22 schools in Connecticut that entered the contest, only seven received the highest award.

The student editors of the 61st edition of Amphora were Annabelle Whitney, Learra Ruggeri, and Tawny George.

Ruggeri expressed excitement at the First Class award when she received the news.

“It is so incredible to see what our student body can achieve,” said Ruggeri. “Having our magazine recognized as First Class would not have been possible without the amazing literary and artistic works created by those at Fitch High School, and the incredible team behind Amphora.”

The Amphora advisor, Daniel Giovinazzo, was extremely grateful for the dedication of the group.

“The first-class recognition reflects the quality of the student collaboration, editing staff, and Fitch artists,” said Giovinazzo. “Student writers and artists at Fitch exist. We just give them space to publish their work.”

The Amphora staff continues to work on their 62nd publication, headed by student editor Natalie Newbury. They plan on publishing in late May.