SAHS > The Arrowhead - 2011 Triumphs

Last year was a triumphant year for The Arrowhead.  Along with producing nearly 200 pages of quality newsprint, last year’s editorial board members traveled to Washington, DC where, after touring the White House, they visited the Newseum, a museum dedicated to free press and free speech, which showcases the history of news gathering.

The triumph continues this year as the editorial board and staff are to be honored for several notable achievements in the field of scholastic journalism.  Currently, The Arrowhead’s editors and staff comprise a group of 20 intelligent and talented student journalists. 

The editors recently returned home after attending a national scholastic journalism convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota while also exploring much of the Twin Cities including Minnehaha Falls, the Guthrie Theater, the state capitol in St. Paul, and even the Mall of America.  During the convention, editors attended sessions dedicated to such relevant press topics as journalistic writing for news, features, sports, entertainment, and columns, student media rights, cartooning, and advertising. 

A highlight of the convention included attending a session entitled, “Access Hollywood,” led by Minneapolis Star Tribune media critic Neal Justin.  Arrowhead editors had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Justin after the session.  Another convention highlight occurred when two Arrowhead editors attended a live press conference via satellite with actor Daniel Radcliffe, star of the Harry Potter film franchise as well as the upcoming film, “The Woman in Black.”

Those who choose to work on The Arrowhead are dedicated individuals who recognize the responsibility and time commitment it takes to create such a comprehensive publication.  The Arrowhead is 100 percent student generated.  Students brainstorm ideas, write articles, headlines, and captions, take photos, secure advertisements, and complete all layout and design using 21st Century desktop publishing technology. 

The editors and staff desire to create a newspaper that covers more than simply what takes place at the high school.  While the high school remains their primary beat, Arrowhead members also seek to cover issues of interest for others in the district and surrounding community.

The Arrowhead is advised by Dr. Stacey L. Aronow.
The 2010-2011 Arrowhead received numerous ratings and awards for high achievement.

• From the Pennsylvania School Press Association, a gold medal and the All-State Award.  Each year, experienced out-of-state judges examine all gold medal award publications and then choose the “best of the best” for special recognition. These publications are awarded All-State status.  This award is the highest scholastic honor awarded to a Pennsylvania school by a Pennsylvania scholastic press organization.  It is the state championship for Pennsylvania scholastic journalism. 

According to the All-State judges, ”[The Arrowhead] is cited specifically for its consistent, outstanding quality of journalistic writing and reporting.  The layout is readable, but the clear emphasis on wide coverage of many school and community events and issues sets this newspaper apart.”

• From the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The Arrowhead earned a Gold Medal by scoring 930 out of a possible 1,000 points as well as "All Columbian Honors" in the category of "Verbal. 

According to the judges,” Really impressive paper.  Great coverage, great writing, well done pictures. You should all be very proud of your paper and the training you are doing is paying off in a truly great newspaper.”

• From the National Scholastic Press Association, The Arrowhead earned a first place award.

According to the judges,” This staff seems to have had their hand on the pulse to the student community and the surrounding community from the very first issue…The coverage goes beyond the mere machinations of hallway chat.  There is some entertaining and informative work being done and you should be proud of it.”