This year, Twice-Told Tale is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its establishment! In these past few years, Lake Highland’s student-run newspaper has helped provide a platform for students interested in journalism, kept the school community informed, preserved the history of the school, and fostered a sense of school spirit. How did it all start? Twice-Told Tale’s roots trace back to student interest.
In 1999, a student noted the fact that LHP was one of the only high schools in Central Florida without formal school news coverage, and the Upper School Director at the time suggested that Ms. Ginger Bryant, English 11 teacher and founder of the Orlando Chapter of David Copperfield’s Project Magic, would be the perfect sponsor. Since the school already had a literary magazine, By Any Other Name, it was combined with Twice-Told Tale, the newspaper, into one Upper School journalism class. Newspaper students work together to produce six issues of the newspaper each school year, along with two seasonal literary magazines and two photojournalism projects. Students also learn how to report newsworthy stories and create art through layouts. There is always so much to learn each year.
Many wonder how Twice-Told Tale got its name. Once each issue goes to print, it takes about two to three weeks at the printers because plates have to be made for a four-color separation process. By the time the publication reaches the hands of students and faculty, it is likely old news. Readers might be hearing our stories for the second time. Therefore, our articles are “Twice-Told Tales.” The phrase was coined by William Shakespeare and was featured in King John (Act 3, Scene 4): “Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale, / Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man.” What about the literary magazine? How did By Any Other Name get its title? The literary magazine’s name is also a Shakespeare reference. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” according to Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. By Any Other Name traces way back, before the establishment of the newspaper publication. By Any Other Name had its name when Ms. Bryant wrote for it as an Upper School student at Lake Highland. She is a proud alumna of the Class of 1990.
The printing process is more complicated than one might think, since we don’t print locally in Central Florida. Twice-Told Tale is printed by Breeze Publications, located in South Florida. Meanwhile, By Any Other Name goes to Fused Graphics, located in Texas. It takes around two to three weeks for 1,000 copies of each publication to get shipped back to the hands of our staff. Without the help of Breeze Publications and Fused Graphics, we would not have the beautiful physical newspapers and magazines that we have today. However, we also have online content that updates daily on our website twicetoldtale.org, which was established in 2021. Each article is showcased and then archived for anyone to go back and reference.
The newspaper and literary magazine are recognized nationally in competitions. The newspaper publication competes through the American Scholastic Press Association, and they have a jury of professionals who adjudicate all student-run newspapers in the nation. There are various categories for awards, ranging from Best Investigative Reporting to Best Use of Color. Our class selects our best content to submit to each category. Currently, our newspaper is ranked Second Place in the nation when compared to other schools of our same enrollment size. We were consistently ranked First Place in the nation, so our dedicated staff is working non-stop this year to regain our top title. Our literary magazine, By Any Other Name, is currently ranked First Place in the nation by the American Scholastic Press Association and holds the title of Superior by the National Council for Teachers of English.
Newspaper is all about opportunity. We have had guest speakers of different backgrounds and professions, from Erik von Ancken with WKMG Local 6 News to Special Agent Jason Park with the F.B.I., as well as a journalist from The Miami Herald who all came to talk with our class and share their valuable experiences. We also work with a company called MOXIE, which is an entertainment outlet that pairs us with artists in the entertainment industry. We receive backstage passes, free merchandise, and content to review before it drops to the public. From these various opportunities, the newspaper staff has covered many notable stories over the years. For example, Delaney Bolstein, Class of 2024, wrote a piece in 2023 entitled F.B.I. Opens Up, which revealed the partnership between the agency and LHPS that many faculty and students didn’t know existed. The annual George Mason University Journalism Conference also invites Lake Highland Newspaper staff members to attend their event to inform them about what it takes to become a professional journalist and meet fellow journalists from around the country. As a staff member of Newspaper, there are endless opportunities inside and outside of school to take advantage of so that the staff grows as reporters.
Alumni of Newspaper stick with their passion for journalism and carry on their love of writing into college. Amanda Wiboon, Class of 2022, stated, “When I came to FSU, I joined Her Campus, which is a nationwide writing organization operated by college women. I’ve enjoyed my involvement with this organization since it has not only been a space to write about topics I love but has connected me with many college women who love to write as much as I do!” Similarly, Minaal Arain, Class of 2024, said, “I’m currently a journalism-pending major and hope to be in the Nicholson School of Communications at the University of Central Florida for journalism next fall. To me, Newspaper is a chance to develop your own voice, both as a writer and as a person, while bringing attention to stories that matter to you.” The heart of Newspaper follows staff members wherever they go.
Newspaper is so much more than just writing about the world around us. Ms. Ginger Bryant explained, “Newspaper is all about helping students find their voice while staying current in an ever-changing landscape. Our staff members are learning the rights and responsibilities of what it means to be a journalist in a field littered with blogs and false information. Our high school reporters are learning to be discerning, inquisitive, intellectually curious fact-finders who seek the truth.” Personally, my favorite part about Newspaper is the family aspect. Because the class consists of students in grades 9 through 12, I’ve gotten the opportunity to connect with others who I otherwise might have never talked to. I have also gotten the honor of fulfilling many leadership positions throughout my time in Newspaper. I have learned lifelong lessons in communication, teamwork, dedication, and passion that will carry on with me into college and beyond. Some of my favorite memories would have to be our “White Elephant” gift exchanges during Christmas, our photojournalism field trip to Ivanhoe Row, and playing detective with different crime events from the news.
Rich in history, there is much to celebrate as Twice-Told Tale hits this big milestone! Newspaper is built upon a team, opportunities, and a love for journalism, and it will continue to do so. The future is bright, and there is so much to look forward to this school year. The annual fall issue of By Any Other Name has already accepted submissions and is coming soon in December 2024!
