Daedalus was founded in its current state in 1988. Before that time, Daedalus had been part of the yearbook (the Greenleaf). Mr. Schwartz and a Greenwich Academy student named Kim Barnes changed the graphic design, expanded the staff, and created Writer-of- the-Month contests in order to publicize the magazine and promote writing at GA. In spring 1989 Daedalus was computer typeset for the first time. but all the corrections had to be cut in by hand on a light table with exacto knives. The magazine added higher quality paper and art and was perfect bound. Holly Rudiger, the next chief editor, created the section four section titles based on the myth of Daedalus.
Greenwich Academy students submit pieces to the Daedalus conference on First Class email (see "Daedlines" for when to submit). All submissions are read anonymously by the Daedalus editors and staff (see "meet the Daedalus Devils"). Finally, all the members meet for manuscript meetings, where they choose the Writers- -of-the-Month and select the first acceptances for Daedalus. From several hundred submissions, approximately forty pieces will be printed. During spring break every year, for two or three days, the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, Junior Editors, Art Editors, and Mr. Schwartz collaborate to select the final pieces, to create the order of pages within the four sections, and to transfer all work to desktop publishing. They try to showcase the work of as many students as possible, from all grades, including a range of writing styles and topics. In early April the art is selected, measured, and placed with the text. Editors proofread and perfect the pages all through April until the whole book is given to the printer. Through May, the editors work closely with the printer, approving cover, color, text, and art. At the end of May, the issue finally arrives and is distributed at the annual Daedalus assembly, which is an occasion to celebrate art and writing at Greenwich Academy.
Art is chosen in early April by the tone or subject matter of the piece it faces in the magazine’s layout. Mrs. Tamalonis helps guide the process of selection, which in 2002 included almost 1000 pieces of art. The Daedalus Art Editors try to publish the work of students from all grades which display many subjects and styles.
What's unusual about Daedalus is that so many people read the manuscripts,
so that Daedalus is not just the opinion of one type of reader/critic/person.
In that way, Daedalus is a fantastic representation of of writing at Greenwich
Academy. Students are in charge of the whole process, from soliciting writing
through final production and distribution. Also, the Daedalus submission/discussion
system is completely anonymous. By sponsoring a monthly writing contest (with
prizes), Daedalus aims to promote writing throughout the year. And with the
addition of the website, submissions are now completely on computer.