Is being published in scholastic magazine helpful on college apps?

it depends on the college.

CSUs just look at completion of the A-G matrix, your CSUGPA and test scores.
UCs and most privates have more consideration for and room to explain unique achievements.

Here’s a link to how UCs evaluate applicants.
https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/how-applications-are-reviewed.html