With nationwide awards, The Rider and Mansfield High’s The Uproar lead Texas in student-run online newspapers. By receiving a Gold Crown and a Pacemaker, respectively, the two publications have been proven as top-notch.

The Rider went online in April 2009 and received three nominations for state and national awards nine months later. The Uproar went online in 2009, receiving a NSPA Pacemaker.

“Online student media is new, and schools all over the United States are figuring out how to make them work. Now that both of these publications have won on the national level it proves we’re doing something right,” The Rider’s adviser, Leland Mallett said.

According to Mr. Mallett, The Rider and The Uproar have much to be proud of from their awards.

“Our goal three years ago when we started was to win a national award,” Mr. Mallett said. “Then after some research we realized Texas has never won a Crown or a Pacemaker.”

In March, The Rider won a Gold Crown from Columbia Scholastic Press Association making the online publication the first in Texas to win one. In April, The Uproar won a Pacemaker from the National Scholastic Press Association, making it the first online Pacemaker in Texas. Only two publications in Texas were nominated for the presitgious award, The Upoar and The Rider.

“I think it was a real boost to all of us to have our work recognized at that level, and I think it will motivate everyone to work that much harder, knowing that excellence can bring that kind of recognition for them,” The Uproar’s adviser Deborah Watson.

Mr. Mallett believes not only has the journalism industry changed, but high school newsrooms have, too.

“Our readers no longer come to us, we have to go to them and that’s by computer, social media  and texts,” Mr. Mallett said. “And it’s no longer just stories. Videos and photos play a very important role.”

Mrs. Watson believes the reason for their success is the connection The Uproar makes with their readers.

“From the comments that are posted on the site, it is clear that our readership extends beyond the boundaries of our immediate student body,” Mrs. Watson said.

According to Mrs. Watson, The Uproar excels at getting information in on time and finding interesting material. However, she also believes these areas are ones which the paper must improve.

“The changeover from print to online necessitated an entirely new workflow,” Mrs. Watson said. “We have to think differently about the stories we do, and be constantly mindful of the timeliness of this kind of reporting so the content remains fresh. Otherwise, readers will lose interest.”

The two programs also won Bronze Stars from UIL for MHS’s and Legacy’s 2009 yearbook.

“I like that Mansfield [ISD] journalism programs are successful,” Mr. Mallett said. “Our readership, community and awards prove it.”