Nine students sit in front of computers in a secluded room on the second floor of the nearly abandoned high school. Some are vigorously typing; some are shouting expressions of triumph when they complete a task; others stare at the computer in frustration and temporary defeat. It’s deadline week and time has caught up with the Panther Post staff. Their commitment to excellence and hope of completion inspires them to work after school and even on Saturday.

Not many people realize the work that goes into producing a paper, even at the high school level. In order for a newspaper to be released each month, the staff works at least 45 minutes each school day and several hours outside of school. For instance, 59 total man-hours were spent last weekend working on the Bullard High School newspaper.

Before work can even begin on the month’s paper, several ideas for articles come under consideration. Once the stories have been deemed worthy, they are assigned to a staff member. The reporter then collects all the necessary information. He or she does this by conducting interviews with anyone who holds information or an opinion, from freshmen

to the superintendent. They look on the internet, talk to police officers, and call businesses. At times they muster up all of their boldness to dig up the real story and find relevant and true information.

Next, the reporter combines all the bits of information into a comprehensive story. Then, it goes through proofreading, editing, and sometimes more investigation if needed. Finally after the thoughts are clearly expressed, they are “put on the page.” Each story and accompanying pictures are carefully placed around ads and other pertinent news. Eye catching headlines present the work of art and we sign our names. We hope that the information is clear and that stories are entertaining to our picky teenage readers, as we make final touches.

When the paper comes in hot off the press, we eagerly open it and scan for mistakes and take a moment to admire our work. I have to say, it pains me to see papers sometimes left in a corner of the classrooms or in a trashcan unopened. I think of all the preparation — selling ads, investigating, writing stories — and my heart sinks. But in the same instance, I see a student glance down and say, “Wow. That’s interesting,” or “Hey, I didn’t know that,” and I swell with joy. I think about everything I learned and all the great people I met. Suddenly, all the work, all the late nights, and stressful weekends seem completely worth it.