The Highlander, Newspaper
Homestead High School, Mequon, Wisconsin
NSPA: Tell us a little bit about the editors and staff of your Pacemaker-winning publication.
Rachel Rauch, Adviser: Our editor-in-chief had a clear goal to set out to improve our paper with every issue. She refined the systems in place and worked alongside staff to ensure everyone had a clear vision of the goal. We had four designers who worked on the layouts, and each student on staff wrote an article for each issue.
NSPA: How did the staff ensure the quality of the publication?
RR: Our editor-in-chief and copyeditors worked meticulously to craft and edit the copy while the designers and photographers focused on creating captivating graphics and images to accompany the stories. The editor-in-chief had a one-on-one conversation with each designer before each issue went to press to ensure a quality outcome.
NSPA: Is there any one issue, story, photo, package, etc. that stood out during the year?
RR: We covered the rise in school and public shootings on the front page of our last issue as a team-reporting piece, and the accompanying photograph was powerfully eye-catching. We also did a full middle spread on drug and substance abuse, combining facts and statistics with personal stories from victims. This sent a very powerful message to our community.
NSPA: Tell us about a hardship or obstacle you felt your staff overcame.
RR: As a green staff, they were reluctant at times to cover sensitive issues. As they grew into their roles, however, the editors chose important stories and found creative ways to deliver and package them for our readers.
NSPA: What qualities will you remember the most about this Pacemaker-winning staff?
RR: The editor-in-chief was an amazing leader who held the respect of the entire staff as well as faculty and administration. They worked as a cohesive team set out to achieve their goals.
NSPA: What does the Pacemaker mean to you and your staff?
RR: Since we earned it in our first three years I was adviser, it meant that we were on the right track with the rest of the nation. It affirmed our work and our commitment to improvement. I also made a deal with the students that they could switch from newspaper to newsmagazine if they won a Pacemaker – and now we are newsmagazine! 🙂
NSPA: What were the goals going into last year and how did you ensure those goals were met?
Karie Bandurski, Editor-in-Chief: My main goal was to improve and push our publication to be the best it could be in all aspects. This was accomplished through teamwork and strong communication between the staff, as well as playing to each team member’s individual strengths.
NSPA: Tell us about a moment you will remember the most about this staff.
KB: I had the opportunity to travel to the National Convention in San Diego, and I will always remember the memories we created there. From wandering around the gas lamp district to checking out the student dance, the NSPA convention was definitely a highlight of my year with the staff.
NSPA: What does the Pacemaker mean to you?
KB: When my advisor first started, she always talked about winning a Pacemaker. To be the first editor to lead our staff to accomplish that goal is an honor above all else. It was also the moment when I could see a tangible reward for the countless hours I (and my staff) poured into the publication.
NSPA: What was the toughest moment you faced last year? The most exciting/rewarding?
KB: We tackled a lot of challenging topics (merit pay, bullying, eating disorders), so it was at times difficult to send the issue to print, unsure of how the public would react. Yet it was also incredibly rewarding when we were praised for our insight and coverage of the topic/event.
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