Two Lancaster High School students recently received the James L. McCann Excellence in Journalism award as part of the Ohio Capital Conference Academic League. LHS senior Sarah Knuckles and junior Raylnn Bosch were recognized during a presentation at Hilliard Darby High School. LHS alumnus Bobby Carpenter was the guest speaker.
LHS yearbook teacher Colleen Damanti said that she nominated Sarah Knuckles for one of the prestigious awards because she has grown into an exceptional leader during her three years on the yearbook staff.
“She started in the yearbook as more of a “follower” who was only interested in going to school events to take pictures. She has grown into a mature and responsible young woman who is able to take charge, delegate responsibilities, and hold herself and her fellow staff members accountable while still bringing a lighthearted and energetic energy. She isn’t afraid to try even when it might mean failure,” said Damanti.
Damanti also said that Knuckles is very dependable and is someone who knows how to enlighten her fellow classmates on a daily basis.
“I always know I can rely on her to take pictures and organize the chaos that can sometimes be yearbook. Every day, she shows her classmates what stepping up, embracing change, and being yourself really means,” she said.
LHS journalism teacher Jill Mendicino said she nominated Raylnn Bosch for the Best Editor Award because she exhibits impressive leadership qualities as the most experienced journalist on the Eye of the Gale staff.
“As a second-year journalism student, she provides leadership and helps the other students hone their writing skills. She is also adept at editing students’ writing and providing advice on how to make their news articles more concise, write meaningful leads into their stories, and organize their writing. She basically shares her expertise with her fellow classmates and is someone I can rely on to help other students fine-tune their feature articles before publishing on the Eye of the Gale website,” said Mendicino.
Senior Yearbook member Sarah Knuckles received the Editorial Leadership in Action award for the first time. Knuckles said receiving this award was very meaningful to her.
“I really appreciate this award and Mrs. Damanti for nominating me. I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today without her or the Lancaster yearbook program. Being recognized for my hard work has made me proud and motivated,” she said.
Knuckles is leaving behind her LHS career as an alum of varsity cheerleading, the marketing education program, and DECA. She said she has a plan for the next step in her future.
“I will be attending The Ohio State School of Cosmetology to become a hairstylist,” said Knuckles.
Raylnn Bosch, editor-in-chief of Eye of the Gale, received the Best Editor and Editorial Leadership award. She said receiving this award was very honorable.
“This is my first high school academic award in my career here at LHS, and being an OCC award was a very heartfelt and proud accomplishment. My two years in journalism have been nothing short of amazing, and I’m proud to be the editor-in-chief of this program. It all would have been impossible without the help and kindness of Cino,” said Bosch.
Bosch intends to return for her third year in journalism for her senior year at LHS.
As a special surprise this year, LHS alum Bobby Carpenter appeared as the guest speaker and praised the high school students who received OCC awards. Carpenter himself has entered the journalism career field as a co-host of a daily show, a podcaster, and a TV sports commentator.
