Newton South High School - Publications

Publications

Newton South's publications used to be Denebola, the school's official paper, and The Lion's Roar, a student-run paper. Jack Dvorak, an Indiana University professor who studies high school journalism, said, "I don't know of any school other than that has two papers at least in part supported by the school. That really is rare, if not unique".

During the 2011-2012 school year, Newton South's journalism program underwent a major revamping. "The Lion's Roar" remained unchanged. "Denebola", was dissolved, and reborn as the website, "NSHSDenebola.com". In addition, a newsmagazine, "Leo", was established.

While the two papers were consistently ranked among the best in the region, The Lion's Roar has been noted as one of the best scholastic papers in the nation.

In 2004, The Lion's Roar won the Pacemaker Award at the National Scholastic Press Association's annual conference. In 2007, both editors-in-chief of The Lion's Roar finished first and second, respectively, in the 2007 JEA Massachusetts Journalist of the Year Award. In November 2007, The Lion's Roar placed 10th in the nation for "Best of Show" in Philadelphia at the National Scholastic Press Association's annual convention. All five of The Lion's Roar write-off participants placed in their respective categories, earning the highest and second highest distinctions. One of the editors-in-chief was also published in "The Best Teen Writing of 2007" for a story she wrote about a teacher battling cancer. She also received a Gold Award from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

In November 2008, at the NSPA/JEA National Convention in St. Louis, The Lion's Roar moved up four slots to sixth place in the "Best of Show" category. One of the editors-in-chief also placed second in the "Story of the Year" category for sports writing for a piece on concussions in high school sports. In the write-off competitions, the Roar fared well for the second straight year, as six students placed: one with a Superior rating, one with an Excellent rating, and four with honorable Mentions in their respective categories.

In 2009, The Lions Roar was once again nominated for the Pacemaker Award, and received a finalist position. In November 2011, the Lion's Roar won 5th place in the Best in Show competition at the NSPA/JEA National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After "Denebola" was shut down in early 2012, The Lion's Roar continued to receive regional and national awards. In 2012, The Lion's Roar won the MSPA General excellence prize and in the same year was nominated as a finalist for NSPA's 2012 Pacemaker award.

"Denebola" was ranked as one of the best papers in New England during its existence. In the spring of 2007, 2008, and 2010, Denebola won first place at the annual New England Scholastic Press Association conference. In 2009, Denebola won second place at this annual conference. In 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010 Denebola also won the Massachusetts Press Association's Award for General Excellence at Suffolk University, a title for the best high school newspaper in Massachusetts.

In its December 2007 issue, Denebola reported on five hidden security cameras found at the school. According to the article, students, parents, faculty, and administrators were unaware of the cameras, three of which were disguised as smoke detectors. The article was highlighted in the local newspaper, The Boston Globe, and reports appeared on local TV channels WCVB, WHDH, and WBZ.