The West Plains High School folklore publication Ridgerunner was recently awarded first place in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual competition. Hundreds of schools, coast to coast, compete in the national competition annually. The Ridgrunner has a proven track record of success, winning first place or first place with special merit from 1987-2018.
The 2023 edition was written and edited by the 2022-2023 juniors and seniors in Mrs. Dianna Locke’s publications class. Mrs. Locke says, “I am so proud of this magazine. I served on staff while in high school my senior year (1987-1988) and will publish my 50th magazine as an advisor this spring.”
The magazine was founded by Jim Decker and began in 1984. Decker, a former high school’s English department member, was the first to teach an Ozark Folklore class. Decker’s purpose in teaching the class and starting a new publication was to “keep the spirit of the Ozarks alive.” Mrs. Janice Langston-Bowden, a former English teacher, edited the magazine after Decker and before Locke assumed responsibility.
