1939 was an eventful year around the globe. World War II began. Marvel was founded. The inaugural NFL All-Star game was held in Chicago. But most importantly, Seattle Prep founded their journalism club, the Panther.
There wouldn’t be a mention of the club in the yearbook until nine years later. The 1948 edition finally mentioned the club, where they would speak on a myriad of topics.
Within the paragraphs in the yearbook, co-editors Jim O’Brien and Frank Murphy – and advisor Webster T. Patterson, S.J. – outlined the importance of the newspaper to the school and student body, where they said, “The Seattle Prep Panther, official publication of the student body, performs invaluable service to the school and service by its capable news coverage of all school events.”
And they had proof to back it up, reaching nationwide acclaim. The National Scholastic Press Association (better known as the NSPA) presented the school with the All-American Award for the 1947-48 school year, the highest award for high school journalism at the time. Over 1200 papers were circulated around both Seattle Prep and other catholic high schools in the Seattle area.
Before Prep became co-ed, the staff was made up of 15 students and an advisor. That roster has grown as years have passed, and in 1964 the Panther staff wrote that the paper was “assisted by a large staff of reporters and photographers. The editors published a paper filled with colorful and controversial articles.”
Later in the 70s, the editors at the time would reflect on what it meant for them. In Echo, Seattle Prep’s yearbook, editor Shannon Erickson said that the “newspaper was an experience I’ll never forget.” John Fitzgibbons added that “newspaper is about trying to find the most distractions while putting out the best product possible.” Senior Maria McGarry even said that “the future of the Panther is put into great danger every time Dan drives his carpool home.” Who is Dan? Why is it dangerous? It’s unlikely that we’ll ever fully answer those questions.
Over the years, the club would change dramatically, changing advisors and recruiting hundreds of students who wrote thousands of creative and interesting articles. Now, 39 members make up the staff, comprised of editors and photographers. It’s still a fundamental part of school, and an experience many won’t forget as they head forth to college.
