When it comes to school, a general idea pops up in our heads: books, studying, teachers, hallways that are packed like sardines, etc. Some people even think of clubs or school events like dances or trips. But a school newspaper tends to be the last thing that most students think about. For Richmond Hill High School students, it makes perfect sense. The school has been a part of the 73% of schools in New York City that have no student newspaper in 2024; a disappointing statistic to be a part of.
The Domino, RHHS’s renewed student newspaper, now makes us part of the elusive 27% of NYC schools that do have one.
Despite that, the school is relatively unaware of it, so why even have it to begin with? The school has managed perfectly well without it for many years. However, I’d argue that the newspaper will be more impactful than people realize.
The rejuvenation itself has been thanks to the crucial support from Principal Mr. Alamarie who allocated funding for the restoration, allowing for the school to have a newspaper once again. Outside agencies like Press Pass NYC, who have allowed students to participate in fellowships in the journalism world, have also played a role. Giving RHHS the same opportunities and platform as other “top-tier” high schools, indicative of our growth as students and as a school.
It’s programs like these that give the opportunity to allow our school to expose our students and our school life to others who may have been unfamiliar with it. “This was once a struggling school. Now, we’re at equal footing to some of these other top-tier schools” explained RHHS’s Principal, Mr. Alamarie. Going on to say that this program is an example of the school and its students finally getting the recognition they deserve. “These new programs that we have [are] attracting students and letting them know what programs we have” reinforced Mr. Alamarie. It lets our successes as students, our strengths and capabilities as a community echo throughout the entire DOE, highlighting what makes RHHS special.
Whether you want to read on the importance of TDoR (Trans Day of Remembrance) or read about the outrageous price hikes of Xbox, there is bound to be something that’ll catch a student’s eye. After all, they’re written by students for students. That’s what makes the newspaper so significant, these are RHHS students speaking and creating an echo for others in our community to hear. It can be about something as big as the success of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign or something as fun as dissecting Blue Lock’s charm.
The flexibility is what allows any student who wishes to write about a topic to be able to do so. These are more than articles, they represent the chance for students to speak on what they feel is important for others to hear. It gives us a voice. A voice that, although powerful, has not been heard due to there being a lack of exposure online. It’s only recently that the RHHS Instagram account and now, The Domino, has provided an outlet for others outside the school to get to know the community better.
It also heavily contributes to our school environment and spirit itself. With one student writer expressing their love for the Peers Connections club, helping those who read it realize the fun and joy clubs can bring to school life. Students can read this and be inspired to join a club, potentially changing their school life for the better. Another student writer acknowledging the incredible achievements of the RHHS girls Soccer team not only helps students join, but helps those same players feel seen and acknowledged by the school. Setting the standard for every single team to be seen and supported by the school. It helps us feel more united as one student body rather than feel isolated as an individual student, fostering a school spirit that some argue is not as strong as it could be. Potentially helping to solve this dilemma.
Investigative articles provide a different service to students, they’re a way for clarity and communication to be given to the school body. It allows for the facts to be clarified and prevents any confusion with anything going on in the school. A great example of this being the school store investigation. With rumors spreading that it was closing forever, the newspaper helped give context and clarification. Investigations like these are critical to making sure students are aware of what’s going on around them, while also reducing the risk of misinformation.
It’s this clarification in information that Mr. Alamarie primarily finds valuable. “There’s less misinformation and more accurate information for the student body … and I think that’s important” Mr. Alamarie expressed.
School administration can read these articles and understand what it is that students love, and what raises doubts. It can provide administration a way to connect to students and give explanations or context to certain issues. Administrators become more approachable and address directly to students who may have questions. It tells us what we, as a school, should improve on. But also on what we should double down and keep doing.
RHHS as a community should never feel as if change cannot come, change is possible and The Domino is a way to achieve it. The Domino reflects the opportunity for Richmond Hill High School to unite as a community and grow as one as well. Giving attention to our student athletes, bringing attention to dilemmas, or celebrating a school success. It’s evident that The Domino’s impact in RHHS will be immense, its effects have been quietly echoing in the school. Our student body only grows more connected by the day and its influence will become pivotal to the student life in Richmond Hill High School in the coming years, more than what it is now. Until then, RHHS students can pride themselves in knowing we’re a NYC high school with the impact of a student newspaper.
