“We were all kind of flabbergasted,” said co-editor-in-chief Cate Wheeler. “I was not expecting All-Ohio.”
In addition to earning All-Ohio in the overall publication category, numerous students were recognized with individual awards in categories that spanned writing, photography, layout and broadcast. Centerburg journalists received a total of four superior, 16 excellent and 18 honorable mention accolades.
“It’s an outstanding accomplishment,” said high school principal Ryan Gallwitz. “They’re such a small staff and they work so hard.”
This year’s staff included Wheeler and her co-editor-in-chief Elise Tucker, features editor Karly Jacklin, news editor Kenzie Smith, media editor Chloe Jarrett, staff writer Abigail Montgomery and Olivia Kelley, who worked on both the print publication and school broadcast, the Prior Crier.
Journalism advisor Karen Allen attributed the paper’s success to the dedication of the staff and contributing writers.
“We’ve built a culture of expecting high standards and the kids work really hard to maintain those,” she said. “We’ve been blessed to have kids who are hardworking and have high levels of talent.”
Staff members were quick to point out Allen’s role in the paper’s success.
“She’s so knowledgable and passionate about it. She helps us become better writers,” said Tucker. “When we won All-Ohio, she got so happy, which made me happy."
It’s the sixth time that the school paper has won All-Ohio in the last 16 years, despite being among the smaller schools in the running. While larger schools might have more resources, Allen believes a smaller program can actually provide more opportunities for learning.
“Everybody has to do everything, so they get experience with all phases of journalism,” said Allen.
Another asset to Centerburg’s program is the freedom given to students. School administrators don’t exercise editorial control over the paper, as is the case in many high schools.
“The editors make decisions regarding the content of the paper, which is important in giving them a voice in their school community,” said Allen. “They also learn about journalism law and ethics, including libel, and they consider their audiences — elementary through high school students and the community — as they make their decisions. This helps make the publication a genuine newspaper, not just a class project.”
Although the news and feature sections of the paper tend to focus on school activities, the editorial section often takes on pressing topics. Recent opinion pieces have explored the dangers of vaping, ins-and-outs of technology addiction and the negative effects of requiring too many standardized tests.
In one article, a student writer discussed problems with the one-hour delay bell schedule and suggested an alternative. The administration later chose to adopt the suggested schedule.
“Journalism takes a lot of work, but it also teaches students important skills like how to communicate with people of all backgrounds, how to decide what information people need to hear the most, how to be persistent and work with deadlines and how to handle criticism,” said Wheeler. “Students learn that…you do have a voice and people do hear what you say. As long as you’re gathering accurate information and you’re talking to sources, you do have the power to make some change.”
