The Oracle, Shaler Area High School’s student newspaper, had an impressive showing in the Pennsylvania Press Club’s 2026 High School Journalism Contest, earning recognition across multiple categories against competitors from across the state. The contest drew 250 entries in 23 categories, with all submissions evaluated by working and retired journalists — making the recognition all the more meaningful.

In the Opinion category, Cassandra Schneck earned first place for her deeply personal piece, “Not a Stereotypical Family: Growing Up Adopted in a White Community.” The News Story category brought additional honors, with Rylin Kinzel and Jason Waruszewski earning an honorable mention for their coverage of a Shaler senior in need of a kidney transplant. The Feature Story category saw Caleb Cox claim second place for his piece on hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, while the Sports Story category rounded out The Oracle‘s success with Jackson Waruszewski earning both second and third place finishes.

As a first-place winner, Cassandra Schneck’s opinion piece has been forwarded to the National Federation of Press Women for the national round of competition, where it will be judged alongside first-place submissions from other state affiliates. Results of the national contest will be announced during a ceremony on May 13.