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Teachers, Students Praise Hendrick Hudson Newspaper

MONTROSE, N.Y. -- Students at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose are getting their news from an unlikely source: a print newspaper.

The staff of The Anchor, Hendrick Hudson's student newspaper.

The staff of The Anchor, Hendrick Hudson's student newspaper.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

The Anchor, Hendrick Hudson's student newspaper is published four times a year and has won praise from teachers, students and administrators for its willingness to discuss issues facing the student body. Drew Abatemarco serves as editor, with Juliana Maye serving as faculty adviser.

Recent articles included a piece on how Hendrick Hudson is accepting of LGBT students in the wake of a transgender student in Ohio committing suicide and the debate over the Algonquin pipeline. 

Hendrick Hudson's decision to opt out of the National School Lunch Program was front-page news in November, and students also wrote about the dysfunction of the bathroom sinks.

At a recent editorial meeting to plan the spring issue, articles discussed included a preview of the school's production of "Seussical" and a feature on the cheerleading squad going to nationals.

"Your newspaper is always fabulous," teacher Nancy McClelland said, popping into the meeting. "You guys do a great job."

Abatemarco said being editor was a hard job, but he enjoyed seeing how many of his classmates are reading the paper.

"It's really great," Abatemarco, who wants to pursue writing in college, said. "They love the paper. They are reading it more than ever."

Emma Willinger serves as supervising editor and has been with the paper since 10th grade. She said she enjoys being able to tackle serious issues like ISIS and the pipeline.

"I'm really into writing about environmental issues," Willinger, who wants to minor in journalism, said. "People have been really responsive."

Maye has been the faculty adviser for The Anchor for six years.

"It's been great," Maye said. "We've come a long way. The students are really into it."

While the paper is reviewed by the administration before publication, Maye said school officials have been very supportive. 

To increase circulation, Maye ordered three newsstands to be placed in the high school.

"It really revolutionized how students get the newspapers," Maye said. "They used to be distributed only through  English classes and after the week of publication would not be read again."

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