Bursting into the newsroom, Principal Rick Fleming gave a simple but exceptionally important message to the 2015 “Roar” staff: “I’m not getting enough calls!” Fleming wanted to hear more readers react to its content because journalism should breed curiosity and civil debates. Serious journalism provides the voice of the students on key and controversial topics, such as gun violence, the LGBTQ+ community and censorship in public education. Serious journalism informs students, teachers and even parents on the most relevant issues that directly impact them.

Throughout his 18 years as West Shore’s principal, Fleming has been a tireless advocate of the First Amendment, and that advocacy has helped create the culture in which student journalism has been able to thrive. Fleming has not only spoken to school board candidates on behalf on the “Roar,” but he has encouraged students to question all those in authority — even him.

However, Fleming’s retirement marks the end of his support and a step into an unsure future. It is vital that the consistent support Fleming has provided for journalism be maintained, as the journalism program has established itself as a nationally recognized program, accumulating a slew of awards, but most importantly building a reputation as a trusted program students can rely on and participate in.

The legacy of the journalism program, encompassing “Arcadia’’ yearbook, the “Roar” newsmagazine and WCTZ News broadcast, is a storied one. Throughout Fleming’s time on campus the “Roar” has gained recognition from Columbia University’s Scholastic Press Association, published hundreds of Florida Scholastic Press Association “All-Florida” winning stories and produced FSPA’s 2024 “Writer of the Year,” one of FSPA’s 2024 “Emerging Young Journalist” finalists, as well as 2023’s “Emerging Young Journalist.” In addition, the “Roar” earned its third consecutive All-Florida Newsmagazine evaluation this year, which is given to the best publications in Florida. Out of the six 2024 All-Florida newsmagazines, the “Roar” was recognized as a Sunshine Standout winner, the best in its genre. These awards were no accident: they were earned through the exhausting and passionate work each staff member poured into their community. With that in mind, we encourage Fleming’s successor to continue to value serious, informative and investigative journalism.

Throughout two-plus decades, the journalism program has strengthened the community of the school it represents. There is a valuable sense of familial bond that comes from reading stories and watching packages written for students, by students and about students. Suddenly a spotlight is shined on a student’s otherwise-unknown but important story.

We hope our new Principal Burt Clark recognizes and continues to support student journalism, which has contributed to making West Shore the academic titan it is.

Publications adviser Mark Schledorn has directed “Roar” with his outstanding leadership and wisdom in the craft of writing. Through his Journalism 1 classes, Schledorn has encouraged students to develop not only an interest, but a passion for such journalistic pursuits as writing, editing, photography and design and we look forward to working with his successor Linda Foster as she brings a fresh vision and enthusiasm to the program.

While we will miss Fleming and Schledorn, it’s time to turn the page on the next chapter of “Roar,” the voice of the students.