The following interview was conducted with Mark Haab shortly after his student, Chelsea Schneider, was awarded IHSPA's Student Journalist of the Year for 2004. Schneider's portfolio is in the national JEA competition that will be annonced April 15. Click here to see the full press release of Chelsea's award.

Q: You've worked with journalism students for nearly 30 years. What makes Chelsea Schneider special?

     She is the total editor package. She not only runs the Owl, but also reads and writes the news for the community TV show, writes for the Image eastside newspaper, runs a PR campaign for a community fund-raiser to help Riley Hospital, and has organized several community service projects. She feels as comfortable interviewing the mayor as she is does interviewing a student. Chelsea is very coachable. She is always looking to improve her skills.

Q: Why do you think Chelsea has been able to lead her staff so effectively as an editor?

      They know that she works harder than they do and respect her abilities. My biggest problem with her was forcing her to try not to do it all. The staff sees the results in terms of a better looking newspaper, more readership, and recognition. The staff knows that by following her lead, the Owl has become a better newspaper. She also has a way of supporting everyone and makes everyone feel like an important part of the overall package.

Q: What sort of impact has Chelsea's editorship had on Warren Central? On the community at large?

    Community service has always been an important part of my journalism curriculum. I think the newspaper has the ability to make the school a better place through coverage, editorials, and projects. With that ability comes a responsibility. I want the Owl staff to understand the power they have and the responsibility to use it wisely as members of the school and the community. Hopefully, that will carry on with them as they become adults. I think more than anything, journalism teaches students how to become active and responsible citizens. Because Chelsea came into the program already wanting to take an active role in the school and community, she was a natural fit to lead the Owl.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out Chelsea was Indiana's Student Journalist of the Year for 2004? What was there about Chelsea or her portfolio that made you think she should compete in the first place?

     I was very proud of her and thought she deserved it. I couldn't imagine another editor who had done as much as she had as a journalist, student, and leader. I couldn1t imagine another adviser who was as lucky as I was to have an editor of her caliber. As I said in my letter of recommendation, I have only encouraged one other editor to submit a portfolio because I think it is such a special honor that only the extraordinary should apply.

Q: What will Chelsea's legacy be in terms of your journalism program at WCHS? What has Chelsea been able to do that you can build on?

She has given the Owl higher expectations and will leave the Warren community a better place. Her vision for design, coverage and community responsibility will be with us for a long time. She has shown the staff what is possible and so challenged them to continue reaching for the standards Chelsea has set.