2025-26 WiNK Contributors
As another school year comes to an end, WiNK continues to strengthen its role as Wooster’s student news source. WiNK provides a platform for students to share stories, celebrate accomplishments and keep the community informed.
This year, WiNK reached 1,029 individual active users and even accumulated 5,325 total website views, demonstrating a strong interest in student journalism.
Among the year’s most successful stories was an Alumni Spotlight featuring Audrey Merchan ’15, written by Crosby ’27. The article earned 692 views, making it the most interacted-with article on the WiNK website this year.
The most watched video was Hannah and Ale’s recreation of a cookie recipe from the archives, which received 684 views.
In addition to strong readership numbers, WiNK implemented several organizational changes this year. Rather than sending a weekly email containing all new content, WiNK was updated regularly and sent periodic emails to share highlights.
The website was also updated, now organized into categories that allow readers to easily find content that interests them. Sections now include: Wooster Sports, From the Archives, General News, Beyond Campus, Traditions & Events, Meet the Generals and Videos and Podcasts.
Students have similarly noted growth this year, whether they took Introduction to Journalism, Journalism, or Advanced Journalism.
For students in Intro to Journalism, the program provided an opportunity to develop foundational reporting and writing skills.
“Intro to Journalism is the perfect class for aspiring journalists, or any student who has an interest in writing, researching, or reporting because we learn all the basic aspects of journalism through immersive activities,” said Cecelia ’29
Students in journalism similarly attested to growth throughout the year. Amelia ’28 described gaining confidence as both a writer and a reporter.
“I think this year I grew a lot as a writer in general, but also specifically in journalism,” Amelia said. “In the beginning of the year, I didn’t know how to format anything, and I wasn’t good at interviews or knowing exactly how to cover a topic. However, with all Ms. Newman’s help, lessons and feedback, I was able to improve so much.”
She added how journalism itself made her more confident in her abilities.
“I think that now if you were to give me a topic and tell me to write something and conduct interviews, I would be able to do it much more confidently than at the beginning of the year,” she said.
Crosby ‘27, a student in Advanced Journalism, plans to build on her love for journalism at the college level. She emphasized the impact WiNK has had on her own personal growth, and how it inspired her to pursue a career in journalism.
“This year I’ve really been able to foster a love for journalism and get to understand different perspectives and hear the stories of a wide variety of people,” Crosby said. “In the future, I hope to build those skills and continue doing something I’m very passionate about and find joy in.”
Whether or not journalism is a personal interest, student journalism is a crucial part of school communities. Student journalists are learning every day how to successfully understand multiple perspectives and share meaningful stories that might otherwise go untold.
WiNK not only informs readers about events on campus, but it also gives students a voice.
Leading WiNK this year for the first time was Ms. Newman, Wooster’s Alumni Relations and Student Publications Coordinator. Before taking charge, Ms. Newman was an active member of WiNK during her own years at Wooster from 2017 to 2021.
“I really love seeing the passion for WiNK continue over the years, and getting the opportunity to work with a group of students who enjoy contributing to WiNK as much as I did in high school,” Ms. Newman said.
Ms. Newman has witnessed firsthand how the publication has evolved while still continuing to serve the same purpose: giving students an opportunity to tell stories that matter.
As WiNK continues to grow through the years, it remains dedicated to amplifying all voices throughout the Wooster community. See you next year; we have some exciting developments ahead!
Lucy '27
Advanced Journalism
