On the week of February 24-28, the Journalism Education Association celebrated Scholastic Journalism Week with the theme “Power of the Press.”
The Panther Press and Haven Yearbook were also featured on the JEA social media , in their goal of celebrating and recognizing newsrooms nationwide.
To celebrate SJW2025, we asked Panther Press staff members to share their reflections and thoughts about their favorite contributions to the publication and why student journalism matters.
Evie Fernandez '27, Haven Happenings Editor
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
The AI centerspread solely because I was really interested in what I was writing about, and it turned out really good, OR the rainbow sidewalks because I got to go out and talk to people in the community surrounding Haven, which was great.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Not to repeat myself, but the community is such a cool thing. Everybody's done this crazy cool thing, putting themselves out there through their writing, and it's so much fun to meet new people who are passionate about their work. Not to mention, some of the work covers incredibly important topics, and it gets students involved not only on a school-wide level but on a national level, and it gets them interested in current events, even if they're not writing about them.
Lavanya Dixit '27, Sports Editor
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite story has definitely been Claire and my Block Blast story. I remember coming up with the idea spontaneously at a meeting, and from then on we spent time researching and interviewing till we found our story piece together. It was a really fun story!
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism allows for students to learn more about topics they find interesting and fosters a sense of community and curiosity. From pitching ideas, gathering information, and interviewing people, it’s a process that takes your idea to the press, which is amazing to see.
Josie Wieland '26, Arts Editor
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contribution to the Panther Press has been writing all of the Artist Spotlight and Teacher Creations stories, and I’m really glad I started those features! It feels super good to use journalism to shine a light on the super amazing artists in our school.
In your own words and based on your own experience.... why does student journalism matter?
I believe that student journalism matters because it gives students the opportunity to use their voices to bring attention to issues/subjects they care about. It is an outlet that offers a space where all ideas can be shared without fear of judgment.
Matthew Ramirez '26, Managing Editor of Web
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contribution has been the development of the social medias (Instagram and Facebook ), though this only falls second to my photography contributions. I have produced many great images all for the Panther Press. Photography is by far my number one passion and I am so grateful that I can contribute this to the publication.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism matters because you are not only learning real-life skills, but you are telling people's stories, stories that matter. Scholastic journalism really makes your community smaller, in the best way possible. When people have their stories shared, it brings people together and I love to see that. Many people like to rally the Panther Press because of our hard work and dedication as student journalists.
Morgan Matthews '28, Reporter
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
I think the best contribution I have made to the publication this year was the article I co-wrote with fellow peer Darcey Strachan, which focused on the tumultuous future of the Department of Education under President Trump . It felt good to have the chance to spread awareness on the political issues that matter to me.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Knowledge is one of the greatest powers that a person can have. In this day and age, it is absolutely vital to have the correct information and understanding of what is going on in the world around us. Particularly in today's modern times, I think that a lot of people have skipped the step of becoming informed on issues and instead form baseless, ignorant opinions. I have found it so rewarding to have the opportunity to use my voice to spread awareness and information to my community.
Clark Kerkstra '27, Haven Happenings Editor
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
The story about Dr. Marseille's departure and our subsequent editorial .
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism matters because it elevates the voices of students and holds district decision-makers accountable. It mattered when we covered the contract negotiations and Dr. Marseille's departure. And I believe it will matter now and in the future as the School Board considers a total phone ban, something most students strongly oppose.
Riley Smith '25, Reporter
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contribution was helping Evelynn with the Student Council candidate interviews we did sophomore year.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism matters because it allows student voices to be expressed. Students are the future, and student journalists are going to be there to document it.
Mia Fagone '26, Health & Sciences Editor
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contributions to the Panther Press are articles that have a lot of value to me personally, such as the story that I wrote on the effects of screen time on the brain , or reporting on the school trip to Quebec . I'm interested in psychology and all the different things that go on in the brain, and I also went on the Quebec trip myself so reporting on both was fun as well as being a learning experience! It's really great to see the work that I've put into telling these stories transform into an article that I can look back on and feel satisfied about. This year I also encouraged a friend to join the paper and am looking forward to seeing the cool things he writes! That's my greatest contribution for sure.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism is a way for students to represent their school on their own terms and to communicate with their peers about topics that they might not have learned much about otherwise. I've had multiple of my friends and other students ask me 'when is the next issue coming out' because they want to see what we're reporting on! It's really cool to see the impact that our reporting has on students around the school and that our articles matter more than we think they might. I think it's really cool to pick up a newspaper and information that you could see on any news platform but through the eyes of Strath Haven.
Matteo Ventresca '25, Editor-in-Chief
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contribution has to be leading the team. I've been part of The Panther Press's growth since my sophomore year. The things we have been able to accomplish were impossible to imagine when I started. Seeing our publication become a respected voice in the school community has been incredible and I'll never forget it.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism is important because it enables students to inform their community members. It teaches young writers how to ask the right questions and share significant stories. An article can spark conversations, draw attention to important issues, and even drive change, particularly in a high school setting. Student journalism gives us the skills to be focused and highlights the importance of facts and accountability.
Evelynn Lin '25, Editor-in-Chief
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contributions I've made to the Panther Press would have to be the Quebec story with Mia, the New PA School Bill story and the SEPTA story . I was an attendee on the Quebec trip, so it really moved and resonated with me to share our experience and the moments we all had traveling that others did not get to witness, sharing student voice and life. Through my coverage on SEPTA and the new school bill, being able to localize and inform my school community of statewide changes and represent it specifically to our student body was really valuable to me as a journalist and showed me that even when sourcing may be difficult, to continue being persistent, working hard, and investing myself fully into my coverage.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism matters because it is an outlet that expresses student voices shines light and informs the community of meaningful events and issues. It lets people's voices feel seen or represented and impacts the way we view life. Being able to do this with my voice has helped me grow in so many ways as a student journalist and made journalisming so valuable to me.
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
I think my favorite contribution has been being in charge of writing articles for The Wall . I have written a lot of articles for this section so it has allowed me to refine my abilities in a specific area.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism provides learning experiences for students to become mature adults capable of uplifting society.
Roland Rennick-Zuefle '27, Reporter
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My work on the cheese corner , since I've gotten to put so much energy and passion into arguably the Panther Press' strangest detour.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
I think it keeps students really aware of what's going on around them and emphasizes how important our voices are.
Dyllan Leaf '28, Reporter
What has been your favorite contribution to the Panther Press and why?
My favorite contribution to the Panther Press has been following the SHHS Theater Department through the year with both of their productions. I covered one story for "Harvey " and two for "Mamma Mia !", which has helped me meet new people and feel connected to the productions.
In your own words and based on your own experience... why does student journalism matter?
Student journalism matters because it fosters a sense of school spirit for both staff and readers. For the staff, it gives you a way to feel like your voice is important in our school community, and that what you're doing is important. For readers, it can inform you of something happening at school that you never would have known about otherwise.
