Weir High School initiated 15 new members and recognized seven current members at their induction for Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists on Tuesday, May 13.
This is the second induction ceremony since Weir renewed its Quill and Scroll chapter last school year. Weir first joined the organization on Sept. 23, 1968.
“It feels good to be a part of something not many other students are,” said inductee Allison Best.
Journalism teacher and Weir Student Media Adviser Morgan Bricker led the ceremony while creative writing teacher and literary magazine adviser Betty Smith-Montgomery presented members with certificates, pins and graduation cords.
Bricker remarked on the achievements of Weir’s publications and media programs, including creating the school’s literary magazine, newsmagazine, yearbook, video announcements and senior video.
“These kids have so much to be proud of. Not just all the media they’ve produced but also the recognition they’ve received, such as the First Amendment Press Freedom Award,” Bricker said. “They exemplify the Society’s ideals, and the skills they’re developing now will benefit them in every future endeavor.”
Hailey Hans, WSM Staff Manager, recited the Eight Guiding Principles of Quill and Scroll to which initiates pledged their loyalty.
“It was an honor to speak during the ceremony. It felt great to be recognized as a journalist and leader,” Hans said.
The group also recognized returning and new seniors by bestowing them with graduation cords.
Quill and Scroll was founded at the University of Iowa on April 10, 1926 by a group of journalism teachers who wished to recognize and reward worthy high school journalists and their achievements. More than 500-hundred-thousand members from around the world have been inducted into this society since 1926, and these 15 students join the ranks of them.
Quill and Scroll chapters include in their membership students who have excelled in journalism in their high school media — be it yearbook, newspaper, magazine, digital media, broadcast news or even a community media outlet — and whose scholarship places them in the upper third of their respective classes.
Returning members:
- Josafina Bennett
- Jennifer Fidler
- Hailey Hans
- Lizzie Jagela
- Eve Swearingen
- Janai Turner
- Emma Underwood
- Kayla Velegol
2025 Inductees:
- Allison Best
- Hannah Dorsey
- Ginafae Greathouse
- Kaylee Greathouse
- Jaylnne Jimboy
- Elle Maley
- Emma Nichols
- Giana Paladina
- Paden Pernell
- Makenna Potock
- Lillian Rocknich
- Lyla Soplinski
- Sarah Stewart
- Kaylee Webster
- Naomi Young
