CROWN POINT | Room C124 is not just a classroom at Crown Point High School, it's a thriving newsroom where busy writers, editors and photographers put out a monthly newspaper.
Computer keys were clicking this week as the staff worked on the November issue of Inklings.
At the corner of one long table, adviser and English teacher Julie Elston looks over tear sheets with editors as they review the page design and ways to make it more eye-catching.
The team of bright, dynamic students on the staff has earned dozens of awards and accolades from prestigious organizations throughout the state and country, many of which are propped atop cabinets and against the wall.
Inklings won the Best of Show competition during the National Scholastic Press Association's convention in Philadelphia last month. Inklings placed ninth, joining Indiana's Carmel High School in the top 10.
Elston said it's a great bunch of students who come in as "shy freshman," leaving as confident reporters who can interview anyone.
Sophomore Deanna Sheafer, who first completed the prerequisite course to be on the Inklings staff, said she just finished a story on flu myths.
Features editor senior Sarah Shaaban said students work on the paper during their journalism class, and before and after school.
Shaaban was working with a page designer and copy editor as they reviewed the layout and story on MRSA, or methicillin resistant staph aureus, an antibiotic-resistant form of staph infection.
Shaaban played with the size and scope of the graphic, then got some advice from Elston before making more changes.
Senior Jenn Bane, editor-in-chief, and executive editor senior Nicci Brown said they enjoy sitting around with the staff and brainstorming ideas for the next month's edition.
Brown said they get ideas from teachers, students and local newspapers, and Elston assists students by "tweaking" ideas and providing fresh angles.
Chief photographer Brian DeRuntz said he enjoys taking pictures as well as going through the work of other photographers and choosing art that adds to a story.
Advertising editor junior Zach Vetter solicits advertising from local businesses, some of which focuses on specific events such as the prom.
Elston said she can see the progress and growth among young writers. "it's a very neat part of my job," she said.
