Editors’ top picks

Firefighters of Lucas: This story idea was the perfect way to honor first responders through descriptive writing and creativity. Lily’s writing in this three section story tells a thoughtful story and gives insight into the past and current lives of the story’s subjects. As Mrs. Adler says, the goal of news is to do good in the community, and that is exactly what Lily did in this story, making ...

Words of wisdom: In this article, TRL’s Calla Patino uses one of the best leads I’ve ever read to tell the story of teacher Suma Joseph’s time in India’s Naval Fleet. In 419 words, Calla managed to share struggles Joseph faced and how her experiences impact her daughter, Dinah Thadikonda. This feature is easily one of my favorites on TRL and is a must read for anyone looking for a heartwarm...

Only time will tell: If I remember correctly, the first comment I made when editing this was “OH MY GOSH CALLA, I LOVE YOU” because how could I not with a lead so perfect. Calla has the most remarkable way of writing human interest stories and is able to see an angle not everyone would always see. Only Calla would take two math competitors and compare them to knights in an arena, and do it so successf...

Speedy Martin: Feature articles have always been a strong point in our publication, and I think the biggest reason for our success this year is Calla, who is just able to put together heartwarming stories with intriguing detail. Her features in general are amazing, but this story had all the makings of a truly great feature story. From the descriptive hooks, to how she presents the story, to her wo...

Photo Gallery: Leopards to face Timberview in round three of playoffs: From Katie’s first game this year to her shooting through the end of playoffs, her love for the sport as well as shooting it is so clear. This gallery is by far her best work from the entire season capturing the action, and the emotion of the game so well. This game was easily one of the best wins of the season having cheered t...

COOL Club creates cards for senior community: - Jordan doesn’t always have a lot to say during class, but I feel like I got to learn so much about her from this graphic. Just look at it. It’s so fun and vibrant. It screams COOL Club. While being a whimsical and playful graphic, she also captured the meaning of the story and conveyed it perfectly onto the graphic. Although she had to redo the gra...

Fantastic four:  First off, just like (multiple time) previously mentioned Firefighters of Lucas, the formatting of the story is to die for. It breaks up the story in such a visually pleasing way that is not overwhelming to the reader. I also love the details Lily includes in each story from the sound of the gun to the weight of her legs, scanning of the competition and feeling of the shoelaces. Th...

Little things: I think that this story was definitely one of my more recent favorites. Calla always does an amazing job at writing in a way that is deeper than surface level. This story specifically was a favorite of mine because of how Calla captured the bond between Kailey and her mom. It reminded me of my relationship with my mom. I also really liked how the story shares details outside of their...