Sheryl Kurtz, an Otero Junior College student from Rocky Ford, has been named editor of the 36th edition of Chinook, a literary publication highlighting student and community writing and art, published annually at Otero Junior College. Kurtz, who published a poem in last year's edition of Chinook, has been working since the beginning of Fall Semester to prepare for submissions coming in for Chinook 2008.

Jean Armstrong, faculty advisor for Chinook, is very pleased that her former student agreed to serve as this year's editor. "I recognized in Sheryl someone who has a very strong work ethic and is excited about learning. She is self-motivated and enjoys challenging herself with new projects," said Armstrong. "She was so grateful for the opportunity to publish her poem in Chinook 2007, and to know that she could write creatively without worrying about a grade. I knew she would make a great editor for the next edition of Chinook, and was very pleased that she agreed to take on the challenge."

Chinook 2008 is set for publication in early March 2008. Submissions to the magazine are welcome from both OJC students as well as members of the surrounding communities. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2008. Any form of original (not previously published) creative writing or art is accepted. Writing work may include: poetry (25 lines or less), essays or short stories (1500 words or less). The Chinook, printed in color, offers a vivid showcase for artwork such as oil, pastel, watercolor, pencil sketch, or graphic design. All artwork must be converted to a digital image for publication.