By Steph M., Staff Writer
Ashley W.: first place opinion. Rien W. and staff: first place Web Site. Casey H. (EIC): second place sports. The Student Keystone Press Awards in association with the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association were presented at the Hershey Lodge on Wed. March 16. And the Panther Press was there.

The three winners plus photographer Stephanie M. traveled to Hershey to pick up the awards. Senior Ashley W. said, “Winning this award made me feel great and will only make me strive to do better on my next editorial.” Senior Rien W. tied for first place Web Site with Conestoga High School’s stoganews.com. “I think what makes us stand out is the fact that we put new information on the Web Site as often as we can, and we also use lots of pictures and slideshows.”

Seventeen high school journalism programs were represented at the ceremony, and Keystone awards were given to two and four-year colleges as well. For a complete list of the winners, visit the PNA Web Site.

Panther Press staff members then traveled to Chocolate World to learn the process of chocolate making. Ashley W. said, ” My favorite part was being able to take the tour ride where we learned all about how they make the chocolate.”

Mrs. Anderton, Panther Press adviser, was not able to make the trip due to PSSA testing, but the student winners presented her with a giant Hershey’s Kiss upon their return. “I am incredibly proud of this year’s Panther Press staff. Three Keystone Awards is an amazing achievement, and it speaks to the overall quality of the program that we can compete against schools with well-established programs like Conestoga, Spring Grove, North Allegheny, Hershey and Bloomsburg (to name a few),” she said. “I am thrilled that the kids are being recognized at the state level.”