Fort Simpson (Oct 15/03) - All the high school news that's fit to print was due to hit Thomas Simpson school's hall ways on Wednesday.

The first edition of Claw Prints is a compendium of junior high and high school activities since September.

"If it happens in school we pretty much cover it," editor Caitlin Jaffray said while laying out part of the paper on a computer. She noted that the software they were using made it pretty easy to design the paper.

"It's mostly cut and paste," she said, adding that photos were taken on a digital camera.

Next to her, fellow editor Lynette Anderson was proof-reading a story, scanning for proper spelling and punctuation.

"I eliminate sentences that don't make sense. That's my job," said Anderson.

The premiere 10-page issue was put together by students in a Careers and Technology Studies course. It is heavy on sports and entertainment features because those are of greatest interest to the paper's target readership, Jaffray noted. For example, there are student surveys on favourite CDs and movies. There is also a section updating the endeavours of the school's resident musicians.

Malerie Hardisty and Carla Norwegian were two of the most prolific contributors to the publication, according to Jaffray.

They wrote about Halloween, Thanksgiving, a BMX competition and renovations at the Northern store.

They also penned a gossip column and took some photographs. "It's fun," Hardisty said.

When the CTS course ends this week, only those who are willing to volunteer will continue to produce the paper throughout the rest of the school year. Jaffray and Anderson plan to stick with it.

Jaffray, a Grade 10 student, is aiming to become a professional writer, but an author not a reporter.

Anderson, who is in Grade 9, said she's considering a career in journalism, "maybe."

"I kind of want to do some others things like be a soccer player or a lawyer, but writing's pretty cool," she said.