New year, new theme for “Overlooked in Appalachia”

“Overlooked in Appalachia” started the new year with a new publication theme.

“Overlooked in Appalachia,” a student-operated, digital publication connected to ETSU’s Department of Media and Communication, was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, following a common desire to expose the issues that face the community and region. It focuses most on the Appalachian Highlands, The Blue Ridge Mountains and Greater Appalachia. The magazine was started several years ago by former media and communications professor Mildred Perreault and has since then been taken over by current ETSU student Marisa Sardonia.

The magazine’s team members consist of students and community members aiming to fulfill the organization’s original mission, to uncover the beauty, uniqueness and diversity of the Appalachian region through the lens of its people.

“Each and every student that works for Overlooked is dedicated to capturing the essence of Appalachia and provide a platform for sharing the many stories it has to offer. Overlooked creates a sense of community not just through powerful storytelling, but via the promotion of Appalachian traditions, culture and customs,” said Sardonia, editor-in-chief of “Overlooked in Appalachia.”

Each semester comes with a change in theme for article publications. In this upcoming spring semester, readers will indulge in stories relating to the theme: “Appalachia Unveiled: Community Stories & Hidden Gems.”

“Through this, readers can expect to explore the region’s most significant stories as we bring them to life. This theme aims to cover under-appreciated nature locations, local and regional festivities, the role of community, notable Appalachian figures and much more,” said Sardonia.

(Contributed/Overlooked in Appalachia Facebook)

“Overlooked in Appalachia” provides a weekly production to its viewers, and you can stay up to date either through their Instagram page, @overlookedinapp, or their website overlookedinappalachia.org.

For those that read the digital magazine, donations and feedback are always welcome and appreciated by the production staff.