The Warrior Word, previously The Chieftain, has forever been the source of news around Cherokee High School. Following a shift away from print format, The Warrior Word is a digital-based publication, with the most recent addition of The Warrior Word In Print, a news magazine.
Students run The Warrior Word: they write the articles, interview the students and staff, take the photos, design the magazine. This is done through the newspaper class (Journalism 1) or the newspaper club. If a student stays in the program long enough, they can move into the advanced level (Journalism 4) and manage the newspaper. This includes editing, assigning articles, and writing more exclusive or lengthy articles.
The newspaper is always in search of students of all skill levels to contribute to the newspaper program!
1. Choose what you want to write
There is a lot of freedom to choose what articles you want to write! The newspaper covers a wide variety of categories, and the newspaper class and club walk students through the steps for each type of article. Experiment with what types of articles you like to write and find what you are passionate about.
Our article categories include:
- Around CHS
- Sports
- Staff & Student Spotlight
- Lifestyle
- Entertainment
- Opinion/Editorial
- National News
- Around Canton
2. Leadership opportunities
There are a variety of leadership opportunities available for students who commit to journalism. The highest position is editor-in-chief, but students are also appointed as project manager, head of photography, assistant editor, and president of the newspaper club. All of these positions look spectacular on college applications and can merit a cord at graduation.
3. Get an exclusive look behind the scenes
Journalism opens so many doors to so many events and opportunities. Claire Green, head of photography, gets a sideline view of every football game, as she takes pictures of the players and reports on all of their games. Journalism also grants entry into school plays, games, and other events. With a press pass, the world is your oyster.
4. Develop writing skills
Writing with a journalistic approach is different than an essay style of writing, but journalistic writing better develops skills like syntax, conciseness, stylistic consistency, and tone. The newspaper provides regular practice and promises progress for any aspiring writers.
5. Versatility
Journalism is a big umbrella of interests. Being part of newspaper team can include:
- Writing articles
- Photography
- Editing articles
- Graphic design
- Magazine production
- Advertising
- Running a social media page
- Managing a team’s progress
- Public relations
- Grammar and stylistic practice
- Statistics
- Sportscast
- Podcasting
- Research
The newspaper depends on students like you to stay running! Reach out to Ms. Birdwell in Room 311 for more details, enroll in Journalism 1, or join the club after school. The program is flexible for all skill levels and talents.
