The 2024-25 school year is making a finale at Bellwood and the BA Blueprint has had a successful run. As a whole the newspaper has been awarded three awards at the Keystone Media Awards. The awards reviewed included continuous news coverage, best podcast podcast, and first place student website. Selective staff also involved their selves in journalism contests in the beginning of the year at the annual PSPA journalism competition.
This years’ staff has shown creativity with news stories and showing the importance journalism brings to the school district. Because of this, we have decided to make a compilation of the best articles. Stories that either covered a major topic, or showed an exceptional writing techniques.
1. Former B-A student charged with setting fire to school
We chose this story by Tanner Swogger because of his exceptional reporting and continuous coverage. Mr. DiSabato commented on the disaster expressing his optimism towards a quick reopening.
2. Unfounded threats made to schools
Written by Riley Barnhart, this story discusses several threats made to schools across Blair County. This story made our list both because of the importance of the issue discussed and the professional manner in which Riley discussed it.
3. B-A BluePrint wins best website in PA
On a less serous note, Zach Gonzalez’s story on the BluePrint it’s self winning best website in PA. We included this story for the significance of this accomplishment.
4. Special guest speaker: Steve Grant comes to Bellwood
coming in at number four we have a rather motivating story. Speaker Steve Grant visited Bellwood-Antis to encourage and up lift students.
5. B-A spreads inclusion during special week
Cam Turner nailed it with his story on inclusion week at Bellwood-Antis. He properly explained the mission and purpose of the Spread The Word campaign.
6. Bellwood once again nominated for the Isaac’s
April 24th, Riley reported that the musical cast of Shrek had been called down to the high school auditorium and were told about their Isaac nominations. They almost swept in all categories, but only missed it by one!
7. B-A juniors receive confirmation
Two current BA students, Chase Yaniello and Marissa Cacciotti, along with former BA student Ava Beiswenger were baptized into the Catholic community. This represented their reaffirmation into the church.
8. Anthony Berardi qualifies for All State band
Anthony Berardi has a passion for music, and feels he doesn’t have to work a day in his life to do it. Well, all his hard word, dedication, and enthusiasm had led him to make it to All State band!
9. B-A students and teachers recognize Ash Wednesday
Students and teachers represent their faith and dedication to Lenten. According to Mr. Rhone, “The Lenten sacrifices knock you off daily complacency and require you to participate in taking action and not simply observing your faith.’
10. Podcast wins statewide award
The 4th and 3 podcast, featuring seniors Jake Baker, Matt Berkowitz, Zach Gonzelez, and Cayden Pellegrine, won second place at the Keystone Media Awards. After accomplishing this, the podcast went on to win a statewide award, earning the title of the best podcast in Pennsylvania by the Pa. Press Club.
