Melbourne High

Newspapers had long served as a powerful way to keep communities informed and connected, and the school paper at Mel‑High was no exception. It offered students an easy way to learn about the many opportunities the school provided and the events it participated in. A strong newspaper didn’t just report facts — it built understanding. At Mel‑High, it was the students behind the scenes who went out, gathered information, and shaped it into stories worth reading.

Behind every issue stood a dedicated team of writers, photographers, and editors who worked to bring those stories to life. Ava Brouard, a freshman on the newspaper team, stepped into journalism for the first time, even though it was something she had always wanted to try. She quickly realized that the class was more than an academic requirement — it became a place where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration blended together. Even with the workload, she found joy in the process, from brainstorming ideas to turning them into polished pieces. Brouard explained, “It helps students be more creative with their writing in a learning matter while still having fun!” As she continued settling into the class, she discovered that working with others made the experience even more rewarding, saying, “A article I did recently with my friends it was super fun and easy!” That excitement was what drew her to the program in the first place, as she said, “The class seemed like it would not only be fun but use up my time and keep me busy.”

Newspapers also gave students a voice. They allowed writers to share opinions, highlight accomplishments, and shine a light on issues around the school that deserved attention. Student journalism mattered because it offered students a meaningful way to express themselves. Kyra Cheng, the newspaper’s Editor in Chief, was a senior who had spent all four years on both the Newspaper and Yearbook teams. Through that experience, she learned how powerful storytelling could be. Cheng valued the opportunities reporting gave her — meeting new people, covering different groups, and continuing to learn even in her final year. As her passion for the craft continued to grow, she reflected on what first drew her in, saying, “I've always had an interest in journalism and writing.” She also explained, “Journalism helps you communicate to a large audience… also giving the chance to still learn new things.” Her passion extended beyond writing and shaped how she approached photography as well, leading her to say, “I like to choose my photos based off of the things I’ve learned and if the viewer will find it interesting.”

In the end, the Mel‑High newspaper became far more than a class or a collection of articles — it stood as a living record of the school’s voice, shaped by the students who cared enough to tell its stories. Whether it was a freshman discovering a new passion or a senior refining her craft, each journalist contributed something meaningful to the community. Their curiosity, creativity, and dedication ensured that every issue informed, connected, and inspired its readers. The newspaper thrived because these students believed that stories mattered — and through their work, they reminded the entire school of that truth.