Paw Print History

Did you know that The Paw Print wasn’t William Henry Harrison High School’s first newspaper? Our school has had many versions of a high school journalism program through the years. I’m curious to know what past writers would think about our current website.

WHHHS had a publication called The Wildcat Times, which was active from 1987 to 1996. The Wildcat Times served as a student-run newspaper, covering everything from sports to student life and current events. However, journalism was eventually discontinued, and this lasted for more than 2o years. It wasn’t until 2023 that The Paw Print was launched, giving students a fresh platform to express themselves and share news. Although the name and format changed, the goal of providing students with a voice and keeping the school informed remained the heart of the publication.

Years before The Wildcat Times, the school newspaper was called The Big Green H. This publication was active around the 1940s and 50s.

Journalism in high school is not just about writing stories—it is also about understanding how information shapes the world around us. Through journalism, students learn how to ask important questions, research thoroughly, and present ideas in a clear, balanced way. These skills are valuable not only for writing articles, but also for analyzing information in all areas of life. Journalism also plays a crucial role in high school by giving students a platform to express their thoughts and opinions. Through writing articles, students can share their perspectives on school events, important issues, or community topics. 

Journalism can help develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. Students learn to meet deadlines, work as part of a team, and produce content that others will read and trust. Not to mention, journalism in high school encourages creativity, improves writing skills, and provides students with an outlet to engage with the world around them.  

Overall, high school offers students the chance to develop skills that will serve them well both in and outside of the classroom. Through these experiences, students also become more engaged with their school and community, learning about the issues that matter most to them and those around them. The skills gained through high school journalism—whether its writing, researching, or problem-solving—are not only valuable for academic success, but also prepare students to be responsible, informed individuals as they move forward in life.