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Featured Articles, College Days

A portfolio of my work from my college newspaper, College Days (2024 - Present)

Ric Damm
College Days •

BREAKING NEWS: CHRIS SCHUMACHER RETIRING

As notifications chimed in at 9 a.m., audible gasps were heard in classrooms and boardrooms around Ripon College. The college community had just learned that Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Schumacher will retire on June 1, 2026. 
The news was announced via email Friday morning and then posted to the college’s website shortly thereafter. According to the press release, Schumacher succeeded Ryan Kane in June 2023 and has led the addition of the Esports Team, women’s flag football,...
Emma Johnson
College Days •

COLLEGE EMAIL ADDRESSES IMPACTED BY THIRD-PARTY DATA BREACHES

Recently, several college email addresses may have been located in recent data breaches involving external, third-party services.
These breaches are not related to the college’s internal systems but stem from accounts created on external platforms using institutional email addresses. For context, an example of this would be a student using their ripon.edu email and creating an account with an outside organization.The data taken from these companies includes but is not limited to physical address...
Ric Damm
College Days •

Taking a Different Route

As students returned to campus nearly five months ago, many returning upperclassmen quickly recognized a point of contention. 
As the Admissions Office rolled out a new tour to prospective students (high school juniors and seniors), several students noted that the new tour fails to highlight the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) and Student Support Services (SSS) in Bartlett Hall, instead opting to fill the allotted one-hour time period with a visit to the newly designed and built E-Sport...
Ric Damm
College Days •

Closure of Private Liberal Arts School Displays Ripon College’s Strengths

With the recent announcement that Ripon College will open its doors to Northland College students for 100% of the closing college credits, Ripon College is among a cohort of smaller, more populated liberal arts colleges that are moving to protect themselves from closure. Despite the trends of liberal arts schools closing in the nation, experts, however, see signs that Ripon College is better positioned to weather the current situation than some of its peers.
The private liberal arts college, Nor...
Lane Library
College Days •

Largest gift commitment in college history awarded to Ripon from Merriman Alumni

Officially announced on the college website on Nov. 13, Ripon officials issued a statement regarding the “transformational” 20 million dollar donation from a group of anonymous Merriman, also known as the Phi Kappa Pi, alumni. 
Of the 20 million dollars, 5 million dollars is to be set aside for the rebuilding and reconstruction of the former Merriman Fraternity House. With the house razed in 2021 under previous Ripon President Zach Messitte, the rebuilding of the Merriman house now holds a treme...
Rickie Bailey
College Days •

Ripon College students give thoughts on Harris Campaign visiting Ripon College

As news spread overnight on Ripon College campus that it appears Vice President Kamala Harris will be visiting Thursday afternoon, students’ reactions have varied in positivity and anticipated engagement with the event. 
Although campus officials and the Harris campaign aren’t confirming her visit, multiple signs point to the Democratic nominee’s attendance at Thursday’s event. While the email does not directly state that Vice President and Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris would be in...

Featured Articles, Perrin Institution

A portfolio of my work (2025)

Articles

Featured Articles, The Powell Tribune

A portfolio of my work from a past internship (2023)

PCSD#1
Powell Tribune •

Former PCSD1 board member Greg Borcher receives Golden Bell award - Powell Tribune

Throughout his service to Park County School District 1, Greg Borcher’s main motive has been to serve his community, and it’s a commitment he’ll never forget.

“I hope to be remembered in how I was always fair and did what was best for kids,” he said.

Borcher served as a dedicated member of the Park County School District 1 board for 16 years, from December 2006 until his retirement in December 2022 (he is retiring from First Bank in January after 17 years.) His position transitioned from trea...
Emma Johnson
Powell Tribune •

Supplementing the community - Powell Tribune

Tucked into a little corner of downtown Powell, the Mountain Rose Wellness Center & Store operated by Kathy Gaa, doctor of naturopathic medicine, has been known for providing relief for migraines and back pain.

Recently she opened a new store next to Mountain Rose at 116 N. Bent St., which is open exclusively on Fridays, noon-5:30 p.m. There she offers a free service — muscle tests — a method of determining what supplements your body may need.

“I really just want to give back to the community...
Emma Johnson
Powell Tribune •

It’s all in the little details - Powell Tribune

The 1945 Chevy that would later be affectionately named Bertha started life as an army truck, built too late for service in World War II.

Nearly 70 years later it’s been handed down through four generations of a family who has worked to keep it running and looking good.

Larry Boggiano is the latest generation to work on the truck. He saved it from the scrapyard, after his grandfather’s passing. Starting when his great-grandfather Ed Willhoite purchased the truck, Bertha had lived through the e...
Emma Johnson
Powell Tribune •

Offering homes that are affordable and realistic - Powell Tribune

In the art of constructing a home, the process often takes great effort. Starting from the early phase of concrete that has to be set, to the final touches added to the exterior, many components must be replicated for each house to become a home. 

For the task to be replicated numerous times, and done in a manner that is feasible in the real estate market is no small feat. It’s a feat that Smooth Edge Custom Construction has been accomplishing since May of 2023. 

Constructing and developing a...

Featured Articles, The Prowl

Explore a featured selection of my writing from 2021-2024.

Amy Moore
The Prowl •

EDITORIAL: A JOURNEY A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING

As editor in chief of the Prowl, often it can be assumed that as the one “in charge,” I would bear responsibility for our most recent achievement, taking home the coveted 3A-4A State Newspaper title for a second time in a row. But within the complexity of such accolades suddenly bestowed upon me, I can’t help but take a moment to truly reflect upon the staff members and previous editors who got me to where I am today. 
Such a journey begins with the previous journalism advisor, Mr. Vincent Cappi...
Emma Johnson
The Prowl •

SECRET LIFE OF MR. RAIMER - Q&A

As one of the most recognized substitute teachers at PHS, Mr. Raimer has held quite the reputation over the past eight years that he has been filling in for classes. With all of the allure surrounding his name, many students speculated about his past careers. 
Despite the rumors, Mr. Raimer’s tales reveal a unique perspective of serving in prestigious careers that some can only dream of. 
QUESTION: I think that it can go without saying that many students at PHS have heard different stories about...
Emma Johnson
The Prowl •

RELEASING MORE HOPE

Newly nicknamed Winston, this black footed ferret poked his head up one last time before he retreated into his new home.

The sight is reminiscent of a National Geographic documentary. As the gloveless fingers of a volunteer grasped along the metal hinge of a cage, spectators held bated breaths, all in anticipation of what is to come. In a matter of seconds, a select group of people would bear witness to newfound history, as one of the most unique and native species in the Wyoming prairie was re...
Sophie Czirr
Best of SNO •

NOT ‘KID’DING AROUND

Personal, technical, and workplace skills. These are the three components that uphold the SkillsUSA framework and have subsequently become integrated into a community service project making a tangible difference in the lives of educators in Park County School District #1. 

Organized by juniors Sophie Czirr, Kendal Eden, and Ava Stearns, the “Fun Friday Child Care” program implemented by this trio is operated on Fridays from 1:00-4:00 twice a month. Targeted toward an average of eight elementary-...
Emma Johnson
The Prowl •

A DESERVING TITLE

As the school year comes to a close and students and staff alike start to count down the days before the long-anticipated final bell, this allotted time has given people the chance to reflect on all of the hard work that has gone into the past nine months. 
While some reminisced upon the hours of after-school activities and the sheer amount of projects completed, a separate group took the initiative to commemorate the work and dedication of one of Powell High School’s very own teachers. 
Just tw...
The Prowl •

COMPETING IN LEAGUES OF THEIR OWN

Often in the winter months, the sports at PHS are at a lull. For the weeks in between the official first game of basketball, the Panther’s opening swim meet and wrestling tournament, there isn’t a lot of action for school sponsored sports. 
However, whether they be a freshman or a senior, many high school students are pursuing a sport that isn’t always recognized at the high school level. 
For senior Keaton Rowton, playing in the outfield for the American Legion baseball team is something that a...
Grace Coombs
The Prowl •

MAKING A WISH COME TRUE

During one of the most exciting assemblies for Make-A-Wish, the Student Council pied multiple teachers, including one of the Student Council Advisers Mr. Stephen Whipple.

With donations and funds still coming in, the PHS Student Council was able to raise $11,896.74 in honor of the Make-A-Wish organization. Through numerous fundraisers, including pieing teachers in the face and toilet tag, the representatives of the student body showcased the Wyoming trait of support in achieving such a feat.

U...
Anna Bartholomew
The Prowl •

PAVING THE WAY

Senior Anna Bartholomew stands at eighth on the podium, cementing her place as the first girl in Powell High School Indoor Track history to do so in her event, the 800 Meter Dash.

Within the environment of Wyoming, the winter months tend to welcome lackadaisical actions in all facets of school life, whether it be academic or athletic. For a select few, the weather didn’t deter them from participating in the inaugural season of the Indoor Track team.

Venturing over the snow and ice covered road...
Seth Romsa
The Prowl •

MAKING A PROMISING SPLASH

On Dec. 8, the PHS boys’ swim and dive team competed in their home opening tournament, the Powell Triangular, and swam against the neighboring rivals Cody and Worland. The team placed 2nd with 320 points, falling behind Cody by a narrow margin of 10. 
“We had some great swims in our first [meet] of the season, and we have seven state qualifiers already, several with multiple [qualifying times] times,” boys swim and diving coach Mrs. Stephanie Warren said. 
With the passing of the torch of 18 sen...
Keegan Hicswa
The Prowl •

TALKING WITH THE PRESIDENT: NHS

Keegan Hicswa, a high school senior dedicated to his academics and heavily involved with PHS tennis, is the current 2023-2024 President of National Honor Society. In an interview with the Prowl, Hicswa revealed that this title meant so much more than just being an overseer of a prestigious organization; it is a role that has allowed him to help enact real change in the school and local community. 
Running an organization can be no easy feat, and for senior Keegan Hicswa, his major goal as Presid...
The Prowl •

RUNNING TO STATE

Although fourteen runners competed at the state competition, numerous members of the Cross Country team showed up to support their fellow teammates in Ethete WY this past Saturday. “You can always do more than you think you can.” 
Those words, spoken by Cross Country Coach and Social Studies teacher Mrs. Ashley Hildebrand, are what carried the PHS 2021 Cross Country team through the 2021 season. 
Whether it be through ninety plus degree heat, unexpected snowfall, or a massive amount of kids quar...
Kari Crichton
The Prowl •

SINGING THEIR HEARTS OUT FOR A YOUNGER CROWD

The usual audience for the Powell High School Jazz Choir generally consists of parents, siblings, and interested members of the public. However, for a special afternoon, the select spectators of this audition-only group were Powell Middle School.
On Mar. 5, the PHS Erocne Jazz Choir members performed for the PMS sixth through eighth graders during the Cubs’ respective lunches. Singing so-called trendy tunes like Shawn Mendes’s’ “If I Can’t Have You” and Dean Lewis’s “Waves,” representatives of t...
Mike Clark
The Prowl •

RUNNING TO GREATNESS

Anticipation filled the air as hundreds of boys all leaned forward, spikes fixed into the dewy grass. Just minutes before, a thunderstrike had hit the Billings area, causing vibrations to rumble through the course grounds. Like the thunder, senior Daniel Merritt, team captain of the Powell High School Cross Country team, would be sending a message that would echo throughout the state.

Coming in at 2nd place with a 16:09.8 at the Billings Invitational on August 26, Daniel Merritt crushed the pre...
Don Cogger
The Prowl •

PINNING DOWN THE COMPETITION

At the 3A State Tournament, junior Stetson Davis made sure to continue wrestling his best in all of his rounds in the weight class of 170.
Spanning the course of several months, the PHS Wrestling Team ended the season on a bittersweet note placing 10th at State and collecting a total of 78 points. Out of the fourteen athletes that competed, sophomore Jimmy Dees and junior Weston Thomas were the only Panthers to place at fourth and fifth in their respective weight classes.
Throughout the durati...
Seth Romsa
The Prowl •

RUNNING FAR

Sophomore Kinley Cooley races ahead on the straightaway, as the sides of the course are designated with colorful flags to mark the way to the finish line.

“Run for your teammates. Run for you.”

Before the state race, it has almost become a tradition for Cross Country Coach and Social Studies teacher Mrs. Ashley Hildebrand to give a meaningful quote that gets the team to power through the mile stretch that makes you breathe a little harder and focus on catching that one runner in front of you....