I would have done anything for experience like this in high school.

The 38 students of West Ranch High School’s journalism class recently updated their school newspaper, The Paw Print, into a magazine format that features 24 pages – including eight in color – and a variety of topics including Opinions, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Sports, and Student Submissions.

“They like the new magazine. A lot of them are excited they can be a little more creative with their layout, their writing style,” said Jennifer O’Shea, the teacher advisor for The Paw Print.

But increased knowledge of graphics and layout isn’t all these students are getting. The Paw Print launched its website last month, offering opportunities for students to work in the paperless system to which news is inevitably switching.

The website features the same articles as the magazine, and O’Shea has hopes that it will eventually include a photo gallery, student polls, podcasts, and video stories.

“They get as close as they can to what it might really be like to work in a newsroom, to have deadlines. To be in leadership positions,” added O’Shea, “I read what they write and I’m here to advise, but mostly, it’s student run. So, they get that interaction with their peers.”

O’Shea said that she has been stressing to the students the importance of writing to their audience — high school students. In this reporter’s opinion, a quick glance of the staff and writings on The Paw Print’s website reveal an entertaining and interest-catching combination of professional experience with high school flair.

Click here to visit The Paw Print’s website: http://www.wrpawprint.com