Ridgerunner triumphs again: WPHS magazine takes another 1st place win in national contest

The West Plains High School folklore publication Ridgerunner was recently awarded first place in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual competition. Hundreds of schools, coast to coast, compete in the national competition annually. The Ridgerunner has a proven track record of success, winning first place or first place with special merit from 1987 through 2018. The 2023 edition was written and edited by the 2022-2023 juniors and seniors in Dianna Locke’s publications class. “I am so proud of this magazine,” said Locke. “I served on staff while in high school my senior year (1987-1988) and will publish my 50th magazine as an advisor this spring.” The magazine was founded by Jim Decker in 1984. Decker, a former high school’s English department member, was the first to teach an Ozark Folklore class. Decker’s purpose in teaching the class and starting a new publication was to “keep the spirit of the Ozarks alive.” Janice Langston-Bowden, a former English teacher, edited the magazine after Decker and before Locke assumed responsibility. Ridgerunner student contributors, from left: Rileigh Reynolds, Sean Feldman, Kirsten Fish, Malia West, Tommy DeCent and Makenna Locke.