Left to right in Photo: Hannah Larrabee, NECC faculty, Groveland; Chantal McGovern, student, Haverhill; Mary Ellen D’Angelo-Lombari, student, Methuen; Patrick Lochelt, NECC English Professor and faculty advisor to Parnassus, Haverhill; Tony Rossetti, student, Haverhill; Susan Stehfest, graphic designer, Salem ,MA; Michele Simon, student, Epping, NH

Parnassus, Northern Essex Community College’s student literary and arts magazine, was just named the top two-year magazine of its kind in the country by the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP).

“This is the highest award Parnassus has received in its 46-year history,” exclaimed a jubilant Patrick Lochelt, NECC English professor and faculty advisor to Parnassus.

Northern Essex was the only two-year college to receive a Pacemaker Award recognizing general excellence in collegiate magazines from ACP, which is the largest national membership organization for college journalists.

Parnassus was judged on the quality of the writing and editing, photography, art and graphics, layout and design, and overall concept or theme.  Published each spring, the magazine includes student poetry, creative nonfiction, and fiction, and photography and artwork.  The 2011 Parnassus featured a short story written by guest author Stephen King.

“This is a really big win for our students and the college since many of the colleges we were competing against are much larger than Northern Essex and have larger budgets,” said Lochelt.  “It’s a testament to the great work of our students, the staff of the magazine, and everyone who has supported us.”

A member of the Parnassus staff, Mary Ellen D’Angelo-Lombari of Methuen had two short stories and two poems included in the publication.  “I loved being involved in Parnassus,” said D’Angelo-Lomvari.  “It’s a lot more fun than work and everyone brings something to the table.”

Parnassus was a finalist in the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Awards in 2009 but this is the first time the magazine has received a Pacemaker, the highest honor given. Parnassus also just won first place in the eastern division of the Community College Humanities Association awards, winning first place in its division for the third year in a row.