Dear Readers:
You have already figured out that we have changed the format of our Young Writers
Review. THE 6 TRAIN is reflective of our mission: To get people to recognize the talent of
and potential for young people growing up in one of the city’s poorest zip codes, 10474.
We invite you to take a ride on THE 6 TRAIN, only fifteen minutes from 59th Street to
visit Hunts Point and meet the vibrant young people we work with. Savor the cultural
diversity of our neighborhood. If you can’t make the trip, read THE 6 TRAIN on your
own subway rides and get to know the hopes, dreams and desires of HPAC’s young
authors. Share THE 6 TRAIN with others and spread the word: “the young people
of Hunts Point are alive and willing to share their voices and verses with the world.”
I want to thank the wonderful teachers from The Kenyon Young Writers Workshop
who inspire five young writers to do their very best. Special thanks to Paul Healy,
Mary Elizabeth Bunzel, Anna Duke Reach, David Lynn, Adriana and Valerie Mnuchin
for their ongoing support. A special thanks to HPAC Staff members, Victoria Cohen,
Griselle Baret and Judithann Thayer for guiding the students in so many ways and to
our Editor, David McLoghlin. A very special thank you to Bob Howitt, who helped us
understand the importance of good writing for our HPAC Scholars. We would like to
dedicate this first issue of THE 6 TRAIN to him.
Enjoy the read,
Maryann Hedaa
Founder
The Hunts Point Alliance for Children