Beyond the Headlines By: Malik Webster

At Hillgrove, the school newspaper does more than recap games or announce events. It gives an opportunity for many groups of. students across the school to have a voice, and it helps build real-world skills that stretch beyond the classroom. Research from the article ‘A School Newspaper Matters!’ written by learnwitharush shows that students involved in school newspapers often perform better academically, score higher on standardized tests, and are more engaged as citizens. They develop stronger writing and critical thinking skills while learning how to analyze information and represent multiple viewpoints. But beyond the data, the real impact shows up in how people at Hillgrove personally experience the paper day to day.

English teacher Cecily Crowder reads the newspaper because it offers something she cannot always get in the classroom, in her words, “It enlightens me on school events,” but what stands out most to her are student perspectives. “I love to read quotes from students and discussions from students about different things around Hillgrove.” explained Ms. Crowder. For Ms. Crowder, the paper works best when it highlights voices across campus, from clubs to lesser-known classes. She believes curiosity is what draws readers in, but convenience can push them away. “A lot of people just won’t bother to pick up anything that’s not digital,” she said, pointing out the challenge of keeping print relevant in a phone-dependent world.

Math teacher Dr. Bailey sees firsthand how students interact with the newspaper when it is placed right in front of them sharing, “If it’s not in their face, then they’re not going to know to look for it.” She keeps copies displayed in her classroom and notices students flipping straight to trending topics and photos. “They like the quotes,” she added. Dr. Bailey also recognizes the effort behind each issue. “I just know it’s a whole lot,” she explained, referencing the layout, editing, and collaboration required to publish. For her, the newspaper’s strength is how it captures moments that students remember long after they happen ensuring everyone is included in the schools' events whether they are present at them or not. 

Assistant Principal Mr. DeFreezer admits he has not read the Hillgrove newspaper, not because of lack of interest, but because of access and habit. “I like an actual real hard copy,” he shared. From his perspective, consistency matters most. He pointed to the typical college experience where newspapers came out on a regular schedule and were always in the same place. “It just got to be a habit,” he told. Mr. DeFreezer believes distributing physical copies more often could spark interest and routine. “Handing it out is going to get more people,” he said, emphasizing that awareness and personal outreach is just as important as content.

School newspapers have shaped campuses for generations outside of Hillgrove, and Hillgrove’s paper is no different. Research from presspassnyc and their article, “WHY SCHOOL NEWSPAPERS?” shows student journalism builds stronger academic skills, confidence, and civic awareness, but its value is also personal. It creates spaces for students to be seen and heard in a way that does not always happen in class. Ms. Crowder believes that connection is what gives the paper its meaning. “I’m curious about students’ perspectives,” she stated. “I like hearing what they think and what they care about.” Dr. Bailey supported that idea, pointing out how quickly students engage once they notice it. “When they see it, they look at it,” she voiced. “All kids want to look at it.” Even Mr. DeFreezer, who has not yet become a regular reader, sees the potential in the work being done. “You have deadlines, you have articles, you have things that interest people,” he started. He finished by emphasizing the bigger picture of student journalism, explaining how discovering interests through storytelling can bring people together. “You’ll meet new people, learn something new, and maybe even open your mind,” he added. At its core, the Hillgrove newspaper is not just about news. It is about identity and connection. Every issue is proof that student voices matter and that when those voices are given space, the impact reaches far beyond the page.