Journalism
Bigfork High School Journalism
Journalism is a year-long course that produces eight news magazines each year. The papers include themed issues like the April Fools’ edition, and the Senior Spotlight Edition. Journalism students learn the art of writing for a newspaper and using associated press (AP) style. They are also given a great introduction to layout and design using Adobe Photoshop and Indesign. The students in this class also sell and design the ads that pay for the printing. For their final project they write a proposal to create something in association with the Bigfork Eagle, the local newspaper.
Journalism students visit The Daily Inter Lake
On December 4th, 2025 our Journalism students went to Kalispell to visit The Daily Inter Lake. Students spent time conferencing with the editorial team, discussing journalism hot topics, brainstorming new ideas and listening to feedback to continue to improve our school newspaper. Students also learned the unique history of the publication, which has been in operation since before Montana’s statehood and is still one of only three family-owned and independent newspapers in the country. Lastly, students were taken on an extensive tour of the printing process and what takes place when we send an issue to print. We had a wonderful time and received valuable editing and writing feedback that we will take with us into our competition season in the Spring at the University of Montana.
The Norse Code goes regional
Bigfork High School’s student newspaper makes waves beyond campus, with student reporters Lillie Suffia and Madi Shaw contributing articles to Living on the Flathead magazine this Spring. Look for more articles to come from our student reporters in this publication. Way to represent, Valkyries!
UM’s High School Journalism Day – April 17th, 2025
On April 17th, 2025 the Bigfork High School journalism staff traveled to Missoula to participate and compete in UM’s High School Journalism Day. There were over 400 entries from schools all over Montana. Bigfork represented well in the competition with multiple top placements both individually and as a team.
Montana High School Journalist of the Year – Piper Lee!
Additionally, Piper Lee was honored by the Montana Journalism Education Association for her new title – Montana Journalist of the Year. This makes her one of the top-50 high school journalists in the country!
