View slideshow The Feather celebrates ten year anniversary (VIDEO)
Adviser, former staff members weigh in on milestone
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This month marks the ten year anniversary of The Feather's online debut. Since appearing online in 2001, The Feather Online has been showered with recognition as National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker (NSPA) winners in 2006, 2008 and 2010, finalists in 2007 and 2009, recipients of the NSPA All-American award in 2010 and 2011 and Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Silver Crown winners in 2009 and Gold Crown winners in 2010 and 2011.
Over the years, The Feather Online has expanded from merely articles and photos to include blogs, podcasts, videos and slideshows.
In celebration of this milestone, The Feather has asked some influential voices of the past to come and share both their thoughts and personal experiences from being on the staff. There are over 150 retired staff members, and, here, four of them share their views on a decade of online journalism.
Associate Editor Eric Witters, '04
The Feather has covered a wide range of of topics. Eric Witters, 04', was a FC lifer who has always favored the subject of sports. He joined The Feather as a freshman and began combining his passion for athletics with an interest in publications.
After four years of high school journalism, Witters took his writing skills to the next level. Being a part of The Feather has helped him to achieve his goals later in life, he says.
"Due to my positive experience writing for the paper, I found that I had a passion for journalism," Witters said "That passion led me to getting a journalism degree from Fresno State."
After graduating from college, Witters attained a position as a sports reporter for the Selma Enterprise and Kingsburg Recorder.
"That passion didn't die out after my friends and I graduated; instead, it has flourished and strengthened, passed on from one class of Feather staff to the next." --Former Editor-in-Chief Anne Hierholzer, '05
From interviewing football players after Friday night games to sight-seeing in New York, Witters gained a full love for journalism from The Feather. Looking back, he counts his time in journalism as one of the most significant times in his life.
"Without my experiences writing for The Feather, I may never have known I had a passion for journalism and maybe would have missed out on some of the best experiences of my life," Witters said.
Editor-in-Chief Anne Hierholzer, '05
Former Editor-in-Chief Anne Hierholzer, '05, was another influential member of The Feather. She attributes the newspaper's success to the passion of its staff members.
"When I think about The Feather and all the accolades it's received, what strikes me most is the passion of the people behind it," Hierholzer said. "I know about this firsthand, being both the sister of a Feather Editor-in-Chief and the former Editor-in-Chief myself. Being in that position comes with a lot of responsibility, and I think The Feather has been blessed with a strong lineage of people who love the written word and who are careful to pass that love on to others."
Over the years, The Feather has been marked by students who pour great effort into their work. Many staff members have sacrificed hours to work on various jobs. According to Hierholzer, the tireless work led to rewarding results.
"After I became an editor, I remember spending my lunch hour combing through articles, working with the staff to re-write weak sections and clean up grammar," Hierholzer said. "As a result, all of us took great pride in our finished product."
Instead of burning out, the ember of passion was diligently passed down from year to year. Upperclassmen took it upon themselves to teach the younger students how to be successful journalists.
"That passion didn't die out after my friends and I graduated; instead, it has flourished and strengthened, passed on from one class of Feather staff to the next," Hierholzer said. "I think it's this tradition of dedication, from writers and editors alike, that has made The Feather such an excellent high school paper."
Webmaster Andrew Rurik, '09
For former Webmaster Andrew Rurik, '09, contributions to The Feather are still blatantly evident. Rurik had the weighty job of redesigning The Feather, which seemed near impossible at the time. Rurik felt as though Adviser Greg Stobbe was demanding too much of him, he says.
"There were many times that I was super frustrated with him [Stobbe]," Rurik said. "I wanted to throw in the towel and I wanted to tell him that he was crazy."
Despite this frustration, Rurik observed that Stobbe pushed him to levels of achievement that he had never known he had. He found strength to complete certain tasks that he never thought he was capable of.
"Stobbe's secret, as far as I can figure it out, is that he is a master of knowing how much people are capable of, not just how much they think they're capable of," Rurik said. "I thought when I was redesigning The Feather that I was capable of 'X,' and Stobbe demanded 'X' times ten thousand."
Rurik's efforts met results. Not only did The Feather win a Pacemaker that same year, but it also won its first
Gold Crown the following year.
All in all, Rurik looks back on his time on the staff under Stobbe with a positive attitude.
"Stobbe rocks," Rurik said. "I was blessed to learn from him and be a part of The Feather."
Adviser Greg Stobbe
While staff members come and go, one man remains. Since 1995, Stobbe has pushed students to improve their abilities as writers, photographers and journalists. Over the years, Stobbe has aimed to provide his students with the desire and determination they need to succeed.
"My hope is to instill a passion for excellence and spurn mediocrity," Stobbe said. "I enjoy students who arrive in the lab willing to change the way they think and work."
Reflecting on the last ten years, Stobbe recognizes the range of situations and personalities of his staff. Although he has faced difficulties, the positive aspects of his role stand out prominently, he says.
"For a decade, Feather staffers have critiqued their peers, grown up, celebrated together and huddled with each other when they did not reach their goals," Stobbe said. "I love advising a group of students who lead, push and encourage each other to be better than they ever dreamed they could.
"The future of The Feather Online is only as good as the students' vision for tomorrow," Stobbe added. "With as fast as media is changing -- the way news is delivered -- staffers will need to determine what level of competence they want to publish in order to keep pace with technology and educational expectations. The Feather Online can be a tool to help them integrate their learning as long as they own it and are passionate about it."
If retired staffers have any photos and stories from their past years on The Feather, the current staff encourages you to send the pictures in to be added to the slideshow.
For more information on The Feather, read the Sept. 26 article, Writers channel ideas on The Feather Blogosphere.
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Posted by "Tom McEntee" on October 6, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Since I left the campus, I have kept up with the happenings at FC via "The Feather." My sense is that it truly gets better every year. Feather staff, be thankful--and I know you are. Be thankful to have an adviser in Mr. Stobbe who has accomplished great things yet he will never rest on his former accomplishments. He keeps pushing you to be better. I can't help but notice several of the current staffers were awesome junior high actors back in the day. Stay strong in the LORD!
Tom McEntee taught English and drama on campus for seven years and now lives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Posted by "Hannah Joseph" on October 6, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am so honored to be in some of these photos, as well as the photographer of some of them...I am proud to say that I was a part of The Feather staff for all 4-years of high school. So many memories, so many friendships...I wouldn't give my experiences on this staff up for anything.
Good job everyone! Keep up the amazing work! Stay strong in Christ and never give up.
Hume, CA
Posted by "emily shakeshaft" on October 5, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am so proud of the young men and women that have given their time and energy to The Feather. I have experienced some amazing, funny, exciting and impacting times while being on the staff.
The kids that have chosen to participate in the newspaper will improve in many ways thanks to Mr. Stobbe! Thank you to all the young leaders, parents and Mr. Stobbe for impacting all of the students in this wonderful class!
WRITE ON!
Posted by "Laura Casuga" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am so proud to be associated, if only as a parent, with such a talented group of young people. They work incredibly hard, and deserve all the accolades that come her way. Congratulations! You do your school, and yourselves, proud!
Clovis, CA
Posted by "Scott Rurik" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
It's Tuesday morning 8 a.m., and the lead article on the Yahoo! news site for the Fresno area is, "Fresno Christian newspaper earns award." The article states The Feather is an All-American newspaper for the second straight year by the National Scholastic Press Association.
Awesome! Go Eagles!
Posted by "Johnathon Brushwood" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Great job on winning the award guys. let's keep it up this is a great program and all we can do is go up from here. :P
Posted by "Daniel Moore" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Congratulations on 10 years of awesomeness! Great job!
Posted by "Andrew" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Great job! This just proves we can do anything through God! Keep up the great work.
Posted by "Brooke Stobbe" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am so proud to be a part of such a legacy! I'm excited, also, to return to The Feather once I'm graduated and see everything people have done since I left. It's sort of a community in itself. I love it!
Thanks for the article, Brady!
Posted by "Brie Winchell" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am new to this school but I believe it absolutely amazing how well your news is. I enjoy reading The feather and I love how detailed it is. Congratulations on winning the Gold Crown.
Posted by "Sheri Lee" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Congratulations Feather staffers, past and present! I loved reading this article and hearing how participating on The Feather has been so impactful in the lives of FC alumni. I know many others could say the same thing.
Having had two sons sit under the tutelage of Mr. Stobbe as their adviser, I have witnessed the growth in them as writers. Andrew is so right, he has the ability to motivate students to push beyond their comfort zone and reach heights they didn't think they were capable of. He's the biggest fan of his students and their accomplishments. The picture of him cheering says it all! : )
Our school is blessed to have this outstanding student-run online newspaper to represent the great things happening at FC.
Thanks Brady for all your work on the article.
Posted by "Celeste Camacho" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Awesome job Feather staff! I know you all hide away in the computer lab and put many hours into this so great job, and keep up the good work!
Posted by "Katie Barisic" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
The Feather rocks! Ten years of awesomeness.... We have great editors and staff members; keep on going for ten more!
Posted by "Darlene Idsinga" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
You guys have been doing great! The whole Feather staff should be very proud of all their hard worked. Keep it up!
Posted by "JP Caprioglio" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Congrats on the 10 year anniversary. Truly excited about being part of such a respected community!
Posted by "Christa Prentice" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Great article, Brady. I am so proud of everyone at The Feather and all of your hard work!
Posted by "Aaron DeWolf" on October 4, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Congrats guys on ten years...thats incredible!
Posted by "Madeleine Yee" on October 3, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
I am so privileged to be a part of The Feather staff, and I know that Mr. Stobbe has greatly influenced what has been produced over the years. Being on staff is like being on a team for a sport. Everyone strives to do his or her job to the best of their abilities so that they can achieve a common goal. I know that my time spent in journalism will not be regretted and will help me accomplish greater things beyond high school.
Brady, thank you for taking the time to interview past staffers, and to give insight on The Feather legacy.
Posted by "Stacey Belmont" on October 3, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Congratulations to all of you at The Feather who work so hard to make your newspaper the BEST! was so glad to see you get some great press from the Fresno Bee. It is a blessing to see Fresno Christian get such positive publicity in the community and this is due to the many hours you all put in to make The Feather successful. The bar of success is high yet you continue to not only reach it but sustain and surpass each year! Congrats! You make the FC family proud!
Posted by "Ashley Ward" on October 3, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
As I read this article, I am filled with so many nostalgic memories. It's incredible to hear how far the online paper has come and the students and adviser who shaped it.
Participating in journalism is one of my greatest memories and experiences from high school. Through it I was able to grow closer to my brother, establish life-long friends, develop writing skills that helped me throughout high school (and now college), and be a part of something that gives a voice to others. I'm so proud (and always will be) of The Feather staff! Write on, my friends!
Former Feather senior editor, Ashley Ward, now attends Westmont University in Santa Barbara, CA
Posted by "Julianne King" on October 3, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
First off, really informative article, Brady! I know you have been working on this for awhile and the evidence is clear.
It is definitely special to be a part of this online newspaper, especially one that has created such an extensive legacy. I can only hope that this year proves no different as we journalists strive to match such great expectations.
Posted by "Julie Rurik" on October 7, 2011 at 1:01 a.m.
Great article, Brady! And congratulations to Mr. Stobbe and Feather staff, past and present, on all your accomplishments the past 10 years. As a parent of two students who have been under your leadership, both on the Feather staff and in the classroom, I am truly grateful for how you have set the bar high and pushed my kids to work hard and achieve what they thought they couldn't.
You, Mr. Stobbe, are a true educator, thank you for your dedication to FCS and our students.