"We Don't Print the News --- We Make It!" Crimson Crier Center of Controversy Over 40 Years Ago

Andrew Warde High School's student newspaper, the Crimson Crier, made regional headlines over 40 years ago for its controversial subject matter.

According to a story in the Sunday, December 17, 1967, edition of The Junior Post in The Bridgeport Sunday Post, the Crier "has begun a year of controversial articles and unique reporting."

The 1967-68 Crimson Crier, which was published six times, was headed by editor-in-chief Gene Massafra "who has vowed to produce a fine newspaper that will arouse student interest." The staff included assistant editor Sharon Raichelson, business manager Philip Shopick, sports editor Michael Shapiro, feature writer Craig McPherson, make-up editor Dennis Drozdak, and head writer, Gary Rosch.

"The Crier will print anything that will arouse controversy and agitate student interest," said Massafra. "Although many articles have a negative viewpoint, they bring attention to the issues in the school. Both teachers and students know there are things wrong in the school. However, no one wants to say or do anything about it. The Crier offers them the opportunity to express themselves."

In the first issue, a rather one-sided view against the Vietnam War was published. The article caused quite a bit of controversy among both teachers and students. It was termed "communist propaganda" and a "waste of space" by some. A rebuttal showing a completely different aspect in favor of the war was published later.

Massafra said, "The Crier will print anything that has a valid argument, and I feel that both these articles have valid arguments for and against a very controversial issue."

The first issue also included an article by McPherson satirizing the use of computers in creating students' schedules. The computer had given some students rather curious schedules. In addition, the sports page was headed: "Warde 14, Ludlowe 12 at the half," giving the score to a game which Warde unfortunately lost, 48-22.

According to the Post story, "The articles which comprise each issue of the Crier come from a variety of sources: some are assigned to staff members, some are suggested by members of the student body, and some are contributed by Warde students. The articles are reviewed by the head writers and the editors."

Mrs. Pamela Hurley, a member of the English department, was the adviser to the Crier. The staff felt that "without her help, the newspaper would not be as improved as it has been over the past two years."

The Bridgeport Sunday Post article states, "Mrs. Hurley is very proud of her outspoken staff, and she says that the Crier has been a powerful force in the crushing of student apathy. She firmly believes in one of the Crier's mottos which advocates 'Truth, Justice, and the Andrew Warde Way.'"

Paul

Join the Andrew Warde Class of 1976 Facebook page.

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".