School's newspaper, yearbook wins awards

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Bishop Chatard High School has a winning football program but 24-Hour News 8 found another winner off the field where the competition is fierce to fill just a few dozen spots.

A group of students works hard throughout the year to publish the school’s newspaper and yearbook.

Journalism teacher Tracy Luke leads the class, though most of the students just call her “Luke.”

24-Hour News 8 peaked in on the class on deadline day for the student newspaper, the Trojan Tribune.

"We have copy flow. We have deadlines. Our biggest rule is: don't miss a deadline," says Paige Powers, newspaper editor.

The students take their class — which is known as Student Resource Time — seriously.

"What I've learned the most about being on the staff is that we are the voice of the community. So us as 15 people need to represent Chatard as a whole," Powers said.

The Trojan Tribune and their yearbook, called the Citadel, are award-winning publications. Both have beat out other Indiana high schools, winning first place in writing, design and photography categories.

"I really think the reason it stands out is because of Luke. She really pushes us for design, design, design and our layouts, our grids, making sure everything is organized," said Taylor.

In Luke's 20 years as a journalism teacher, technology is key.

"It's all digital. We will send literally send through a link, sending these huge, huge documents, a 240-page book with all of these high resolution photos and it's all done on the computer," Luke said.

Being on either staff isn't like joining a club; it's a competitive process. Luke said she received 60 applications to fill 32 yearbook and newspaper positions this school year.

"I'm blessed," says Luke. "I have kids who will work as long as I will. I have kids who will stay here until 5 or 6 at night. We'll come in on Saturdays and Sundays. Kids want it to be the best."

The Trojan Tribune comes out once a month. The yearbook is given out at the beginning of the school year. This way prom and graduation can be added. Each year, there is a surprise theme. Students don't find out until they get their yearbooks which will be August 2012.