The Literary Arts Magazine, The Phoenix, has been a celebrated and an important part of the lives of Benton Central students and faculty for more than 25 years. First started in 1999, by the legend herself, Ms. Sandy Herre, the magazine has grown into the most best-selling art form that has ever blessed the halls of Benton Central. Over 42 editors and 25 different covers, along with thousands of authors and artists have discovered creative freedom and comfort in The Phoenix. And now, the magazine celebrates the end of an era, with their final masterpiece, The 25th Anniversary of The Phoenix. To honor and celebrate the end of an era, The Phoenix sells for $20 in Ms. Taylor’s room, S140. Be part of the celebration and help keep the memory of The Phoenix alive. 

The Phoenix evolved from the beginning, starting with a $52 limit and a Microsoft Publisher 3.0, that has grown into a national phenomenon. The first editors of the PHOENIX and visionary inspiration, our very own Mrs. Kyle Morales and her twin, Noah Benson, were quoted, “Back in 2000, when we—twin brother and sister—were juniors, we noticed something about Benton Central. We saw a void: a lack of opportunity in the student body for an important kind of creative expression. There were sports, art classes, technology classes . . . but the space for creative expression was lacking.” And from their tireless work and determination, The Phoenix was born. From the halls of Benton Central High School, legends and stars were born and inspired. Past and present writers, artists, ceramicists, and photographers, stretching all the way from the 2000s to now, will forever leave a mark on Benton Central and the community. As Ms. Herre always vowed, “I will help in any way I can, but I will not create the magazine.” And help she did.

The Phoenix was never just a school magazine but an inspiration, a safe place, and a part of Benton County. The Phoenix mission was always to allow students to embrace and explore their literary and artistic abilities. The name, The Phoenix, was chosen because of its meaning: a symbol of immortality and resurrection. And just like a phoenix, this literary arts magazine rose from the ashes and sparked creativity in everyone it touched and will for years to come. Just because this marks the end of the magazine, and we have said goodbye to the beloved teacher who has been a living inspiration for The Phoenix, does not mean the PHOENIX ceases. The Phoenix flame of creativity lives inside all of us and forever will be part of the community and the school. The ashes of The Phoenix are scattered deep inside all of us, waiting to rise and flourish. On behalf of the whole entire student body and the editorial staff, we would like to thank Sandy “Herre-Bear” Herre, along with past and present PHOENIX alumni. As Ms. Herre used to say, “We ALL carry the torch at times—illuminating a bright light like a beacon in the dark to eradicate fear, doubt, destruction, and isolation—igniting a flame . . . one that inspires the future to radiate constructive change in our world. Keep Shining.”