We’re kind of a big deal.
For the 3^rd year in a row and the 5^th time in the last 6 years the WS Oracle, Symposium and The Olympian have won VHSL awards in publications.
This year Oracle took home the Trophy class award in the newspaper, the highest award a newspaper can achieve. The Symposium and The Olympian both won first place in their respective division.

Newspaper and yearbook adviser Brooke Nelson, who is in her 20^th year teaching at WS, has led students and staffs to over 70 VHSL awards between the three publications at WS and individual awards.

While Nelson may be a reason for the journalism department’s impressive record, she doesn’t like to take credit for the awards. She thinks the students are the main factor behind the success.

“They key is the entire operation is student run… the kids work really hard,” said Nelson.

Journalism classes aren’t all hard work, however. Stop by after the staff meets a deadline, and you’re likely to see a pretty impressive party going on. Catered Chic-fil-A, fresh pizza, and (of course) homemade cookies have all made appearances.

“We have a lot of fun with the publications, and it shows through our product,” said senior Oracle editor Jessica Blahut.

Winning awards so often might cheapen the effect for some, but for Nelson, it just continues to confirm all the hard work that the staff – and she – has done.

“It validates everything we do…we bring the school the news better than some college papers, and VHSL recognizes that,” said Nelson.

What sets WS publications apart from the rest isn’t just the high quality and hard work. A key part of their success is that they are completely uncensored. While many local high schools, including Lake Braddock and Lee, are subject to “prior review” by the administration, WS publications are free to print what they want. This is a decision the school’s administration has made.

“I believe it’s important for students to write pieces that are true and important,” said principal Mark Greenfelder.

Greenfelder, a regular reader of the Oracle, is a key part to the success of the paper. Thanks to his lenience, Oraclelites are able to write genuine, uncensored stories.

VHSL also awarded individuals this year for specific pieces they wrote, with senior Oracle Editor Julie Hess winning third place recognition for inside layout/spread, and junior Oracle Managing Editor Sydney Spicer earning honorable mention for front page layout. Former Oraclelites were also recognized for their work with Ben Hyde winning first place in column, Megan Beissner winning first place in editorials and Maria Scaptura winning second place in straight news.

Achievements like these all have similar characteristics; they start from the top.

“Nelson has been the biggest help. She has always been there to guide us as a staff and as individuals,” said senior Oracle editor Sydney Manning.