Routinely each year, the student body purchases thousands of copies of the legendary Prowler, Panther Creek’s yearbook. Over time, it has grown into an emerging paragon of journalistic work throughout North Carolina, even going on to win several awards throughout our state. However, what were its beginnings? What were the precedents it has set for future yearbooks to come? We caught up with Mrs. Black from The Prowler to get her perspective and present it to you.

Mrs. Black, English teacher and yearbook advisor, spoke to us about The Prowler’s humble beginnings: “The yearbook began the first year the school opened.  The first yearbook theme was Cornerst(one), with an emphasis on year one.  My first book at Panther Creek was the 2010, ‘Imagine’ theme.  This book was 320 pages and captured the year well.  Over the last three years, I think we have done a better job gathering details to include in the body copy that makes our book more than just a picture book; it records the events of the year and is interesting to read.  I also think we have come a long way with taking good, candid photos that tell a story.”

According to Mrs. Black, last year’s yearbook was recognized by the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, winning the All-North Carolina Award for Large Schools. In addition, Pooja Pasupula, of the Student Life section, won third place for her theme copy regarding clubs. Co-Editors-in-Chief Hannah Macie and Suzanne Zeid also were awarded Honorable Mentions for theme spread design.

Shortly after being recognized by UNC-Chapel Hill, a university with one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the country, The Prowler also won first place in an annual competition from the American Scholastic Press Association located in College Point, New York. Mrs. Black said the award was given based on “the fields of excellence in writing, photography, and page design.”

Co-Editor-in-Chief Hannah Macie also will be recognized by Jostens Printing and Publishing. She placed in a photography competition that will feature her work in a 2014 book, Gotcha Covered Lookbook, which, according to Mrs. Black, is a go-to book for yearbook staffers to use for reference in planning publications.

“Of course, I am thrilled to have students recognized by these prestigious competitions. It is always rewarding to see the white pages of a book come to life with the design, pictures, and stories that my staff creates to present to the student body.  Yearbook is fun, but it is hard work!  I am glad it all paid off for us last year and hope that we can exceed the high expectations that were created for our student body this year!” says Mrs. Black, “I hope The Prowler is a book that students look back on with fond, positive memories of their high school experiences.  I hope that students in twenty years, pull this book off the shelf and take them to reunions only to laugh at all of the memories that they have at Panther Creek.  I hope it becomes a historical memory book that captures the experiences of all types of students at our school, and that they share it with family and friends with pride.”