A staff is like a human body: each part plays a role in creating something bigger than all of us. Whether it's the eyes that seek out grammar mistakes or the hands that assembly our final draft, each staff member has a role, and working as a team, we encourage each other to perform our roles as well as possible.
Staff
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In Mrs. Dyer's seventh period Publications class, we’re more than just a team—we’re a family. Our newsroom is a home away from home, a space where creativity flows freely, laughter bounces off the walls and we push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Like any family, we celebrate each other’s wins, whether it’s a front-page feature that gets everyone talking or a perfectly timed sports photo that captures the thrill of the moment. We also support each other through challenges, offering encouragement when stories don’t come together easily or edits feel overwhelming. There’s an unspoken understanding that no one is ever truly alone in their work; we’re in this together, and we succeed together.
As Editor-in-Chief, I’ve had the privilege of watching my staff grow—not just as writers, designers and photographers, but as individuals. My staff grew from just 12 girls last year to now 25, and those that have stayed on staff during my time as Editor are peers that I can proudly call some of my best friends. I’ve seen quiet voices find their confidence, bold ideas take shape and talents emerge in the most unexpected ways. I’ve also been inspired by their dedication to our craft and their unwavering commitment to telling stories that matter. Our class isn’t just about deadlines and bylines; it’s about fostering a culture of trust, support and shared purpose. It’s a space where we challenge each other, fight and bicker like sisters, but ultimately create a legacy we’re all proud to be part of. |
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Preparation
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Coming into my junior year as an Editor-in-Chief, I was the first junior in The Spartan Shield's 60 year history to fill the role. Needless to say, I was terrified. But as a new student to journalism just one year prior, I knew exactly what changes needed to be made to ensure that the new staff members could learn their roles and adjust in time for our first edition.
Enter: The Handbook. I diligently spent all of August crafting a nearly 20-page handbook that included everything incoming staff members would need to know, including how to edit, place in InDesign, create designs, write articles, AP Style rules, our late work policy and more. I also attend the University of Iowa's Summer Journalism Program in Leadership to learn how to lead my staff and carry on the legacy of The Spartan Shield with my co-editor. |
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Communication
Like any collaborative team, communication is key to ensuring that every element of our magazine is finalized by the due date. As such, we have a group chat that includes everyone in the Publications class to ensure we are all on the same page about deadlines, procedures and expectations. Also, I make sure to communicate with staff members one-on-one if necessary.
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Team Building
Our Publications class is an extremely collaborative environment. As such, we have grown to be a very close-knit group of students in our time as fellow staff members. But I have personally made efforts to build our team into a reliable network of trusted friends, making the news cycle each month smoother and more efficient the closer we become.
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Journalist of the Week
To recognize particularly great work of my staff, I created Journalist of the Week, an honor that one staff member receives based on timeliness, quality of work, effort in and outside of class and overall contribution to the Shield. Journalist of the Week boosts confidence in my staff and inspires my fellow journalists to strive to do their best work. Secret Santa To celebrate the holidays, we have a Secret Santa gift exchange among the staff to reward ourselves at the end of a long semester and have a little bit of fun secretly placing gifts under the tree for one another in the week before winter break. Classroom Decorations The weeks prior to winter break, we all feel the winter slump take over as we yearn for break to start. So, to boost moral and get out our last edition with enthusiasm and timeliness, my advisor and I invited the staff to decorate the classroom for the holidays, creating a fun and relaxing environment that motivates us to ride out the last days before break. |
Community Leadership
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As Editor-in-Chief of Pleasant Valley's only student-led publication, I not only represent my staff but my school in my community. As such, I make an effort to contribute to my community and lead by example for my staff and peers to follow. For example, I recently had the opportunity to meet with a local Girl Scout troop to help them earn their scribe badges by teaching them about journalism. I created worksheets and presentations to talk to them about the importance of journalism and writing, and together, we wrote bios, took staff pictures, recorded podcasts and wrote articles. I love journalism and believe its importance in society cannot be undermined, so having the opportunity to share this passion with my community is one that I relish.
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Honors
There's nothing better than celebrating with one's staff when our work is rewarded. Over the past two years, The Spartan Shield has been highly accredited under my leadership. At the IHSPA State Conference, we were awarded News Team of the Year as well as Yearbook of the year. Shortly afterwards, we were recognized by the mayor of Riverdale, who declared Nov. 14, 2023 to officially be "Spartan Shield Day" in the city. No individual could achieve this success alone, and I believe that my leadership has made an impact on how our staff collaborates and what we are able to accomplish.
