High School Newspapers, Journalists Capture IHSPA Awards

Both Lawrence Central and Lawrence North have been recognized by the Indiana High School Press Association.

Lawrence Central’s student newspaper , the Cub Reporter, has been named a 2008 Hoosier Star, designating it the best high school newspaper in the state from large-population high schools.

The award was presented at the annual convention of the Indiana High School Press Association Oct. 17 at Franklin College. It was based on issues from the 2007-08 school year. Editors-in-chief were Kristin Bailey, now a freshman at Indiana University, and Sara Walker, now a freshman at Purdue.

Lawrence Central’s Faculty Advisor, Elizabeth Granger, was named the 2008 Indiana High School Journalism Teacher of the Year. Granger teaches journalism and English and advises LC’s student newspaper, the Cub Reporter.

Lawrence North Principal Steve Goeglein was named the Indiana High School Press Association’s Administrator of the Year at the annual convention. Lynx yearbook adviser Kathy Sahm Francis nominated Goeglein to recognize his support for student press at LN.

“I just felt that after working with him these past years and seeing him supporting the student journalists here, that he deserved it,” said Francis.

Yearbook students wrote letters to show their enthusiasm for Goeglein as well. “Mr. Goeglein respects us enough to basically leave us alone and trust that we will do the right thing,” said junior Kaitlyn Burke. Burke, along with other students said that they were excited for his recognition. The students surprised him with his announcement during class, where over 100 student journalists, teachers, and fellow administrators gathered.

“I am flattered to have been nominated,” said Goeglein, “and quite surprised to have been selected.”

The IHSPA annually recognizes one outstanding administrator. This year, according to IHSPA Director Diana Hadley, there were more nominations than ever. The award recognizes an administrator who not only supports the student press, but also defends the right for those student journalists to serve as decision-makers of their respective publications, free of censorship and prior review.

“We are fortunate in that students are the decision makers for both the yearbook and newspaper,” said Francis. “There are many schools where a principal chooses to take control, determining the content of the publications. This takes away from entire learning process for those kids.”

Goeglein, according to Francis and newspaper adviser Heather Stockdell, is a principal who is also an advocate for equipment technology, keeping with new trends in the changing world of communications.

“He’s fun and we love him,” said senior Julia Smith, editor of the Lynx.

Seven Lawrence Central student journalists captured nine individual awards at the state convention of the Indiana High School Press Association.

In the newspaper division, senior Eric Rees captured first place for a newspaper photo portfolio and second place for spot news photo. Senior Amanda Bowman took second in feature writing, 2008 graduate Kristin Bailey third in page design and junior T.E. Norris honorable mention in news writing.

In the convention’s on-site competition, junior Lierin Ehmke took first in newspaper feature design and Bowman third in ethics.

For yearbooks, 2008 graduates David Quiocho took third in feature photo and Courtney Shaw honorable mention in overall theme.