MGCC Ignites Creative Spark with Launch of 'Hearth & Holler' Literary Journal   Clifton Forge, VA (April 8, 2026) - Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is proud to announce the launch of Hearth & Holler, the institution’s first-ever literary journal. Designed as a digital and creative sanctuary, the journal serves as a premier platform to celebrate and amplify the unique voices of MGCC’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Appalachian region, Hearth & Holler aims to bridge the gap between local storytelling and the wider world. By providing a professional space for creative expression, the journal serves as a vital "first publication" credit for aspiring writers while fostering a lifelong connection for the MGCC community. A Home for Appalachian Voices Hearth & Holler is more than just a collection of pages; it is a community resource supported by the MGCC Library and Academic departments. The journal offers a diverse range of content, including: Creative Works: Original short stories and poetry from the MGCC family. Spotlight Interviews: In-depth conversations with faculty and staff members. Writing Resources: Instructional content and tips provided by the journal’s editorial team and Writing Center tutors. Community Connection: A dedicated space to showcase the specific cultural and creative perspectives of the Appalachian Highlands. The Vision Behind the Journal The journal is the brainchild of MGCC Library Assistant Sara J. Carey, whose passion for the written word and the MGCC community served as the catalyst for the project. Carey, currently an MFA candidate at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), saw a need for a dedicated space where local talent could be nurtured. "I have studied creative writing for 10 years, and as a creative writer, I understand the importance of supporting literature and creativity, especially through publications," says Carey. "I want MGCC, through Hearth & Holler, to be the first stepping stone for students when they pursue creative writing, and I want it to always be a home to writers and readers connected to MGCC." Cultivating the Future of Local Literature With the support of the MGCC Library and the academic community, Hearth & Holler is poised to grow into a leading advocate for literature in the region. By providing resources and a public stage for storytelling, the initiative ensures that the "hollows" of our community are heard far beyond the mountains. If you would like to read the Hearth & Holler journal, please follow this link: Hearth & Holler ABOUT MGCC: Founded in 1962 and located in the Alleghany Highlands region of Central Virginia, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. Mountain Gateway Community College operates two educational campuses, the Clifton Forge campus and the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. MGCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. The College’s Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the Forestry Technology program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Mountain Gateway Community College is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Northern Botetourt, and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington. For more information about Mountain Gateway Community College, please visit MGCC.edu.

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