The Musket newspaper and the Torch yearbook were honored last month when they were informed that they both received national rankings from the National Scholastic Press Association.

In order to receive such rankings, the publications submitted copies of last school years work, including multiple newspapers and the yearbook.

The Musket received special recognition in our writing and editing as well as coverage and content.

Recognition by a highly respected national organization shows that The Musket is a viable source of news.

While we did receive special recognition in two categories, we were also critiqued. Our design was critiqued, along with photography and layout and design.

These critiques were expected. Due to the fact that the paper that was judged was sent in last school year, many of the given critiques had already been implemented at the start of the new school year.

Specifically, the organization said both publications needed to work on their photography. The addition of a photography course has given writers and designers more material to work with and has allowed them to showcase students work throughout their publications.

The editing staff is working diligently to take these critiques under consideration and make changes hastily.

The Torch staff was also recognized by the NSPA. Their main critique was to carry out the theme more throughout the yearbook and cover more that is going on around school. Though the NSPA said that the yearbook covered many topics, they said that the coverage could have been more in depth and presented by student quotes.

The Torch also received compliments on their distinctive look, their coverage of all people throughout campus and including yearbook essentials.

This recognition has only further motivated students on both publication staffs to continue to improve.