The Prowler holds a signing day for returning staff
Several members of the newspaper staff decided to return to the journalism class next year. They are (from left front row) Spencer Dawson, Yuri-Grace Ohashi. (Second row) Erin Schilling, Brayden Jenks and Dylan Hynson. (Third row) Taylor Miligan, Faith Terry, Colin Lohman and Jack Fletcher.
February 23, 2015
Who says signing days are only for athletes? As a prelude to the official Feb. 5 high school signing day for college athletics, The Prowler staff conducted its own signing day to celebrate its editors and reporters who signed up to return to the staff for the 2015-2016 year.
“It was a nice break from the serious world of reporting,” said sophomore Spencer Dawson, a first-year reporter. “It got me excited for the year to come.”
So did the pizza.
As soon as returning staffers finished taking turns “signing” their letters of intent, the entire staff ate its way through five hot and fresh pizzas that were delivered just minutes before the start of the seventh period class.
The Prowler held its signing day Friday, Jan. 23, during class. Each member who chose to return next year signed his or her “official” letter of intent in the presence of editors and staffers. Photo Editor freshman Madison Martin captured the moments with traditional signing day photographs.
Junior Jack Fletcher signs his contract for his third year in Journalism as Sports Editor.
The idea for the journalism signing celebration came from a couple of second-year reporters.
“I knew February was the month for national signing day, so I asked if we could have one too,” said junior Dylan Hynson, who covers mostly sports. Fellow staffer and Sports Editor Jack Fletcher also liked the idea. “National signing day was fun to follow, and it was an interesting way to join in on it in our own special way.”
News Editor Erin Schilling said she was excited to see so many staffers returning. “I enjoyed our signing day because we were able to see who’s staying with The Prowler, and it showed how close we all became as a result of being on staff,” she said.
Hynson also voiced his feelings about the special day. “I feel like I have room to grow, and I’m excited to commit to coming back next year,” Hynson said.
Although several members decided to return next year, there is still room on staff for newcomers who want to learn more about the world of journalism.
Since the paper is student-run, the whole staff bonds together.
— Erin Schilling
The Prowler provides its students with opportunities to develop skills not only in news, opinion, features and sports writing, photography, video reporting, and website design, but also in learning how to work as a team, taking on leadership roles, working as part of a team, meeting deadlines, and managing their time. They also experience the sense of accomplishment when they see their stories and photos “go live” on the newspaper’s online site.
“Since the paper is student-run, the whole staff bonds together,” Schilling said. She said the class creates a family-like atmosphere amid the real-life setting of an actual newsroom.
Applications are still available in Room 703 for anyone interested in joining The Prowler staff. See faculty adviser Debbie Smelley or talk with a current staff member if you have any questions.
To read The Prowler, go to www.theprowlernews.org.
