In your hands is the culmination of hours of work dedicated to producing one issue of the Torch. The Torch production cycle consists of 10 major steps, but countless more hours are put in by staff behind closed doors to ensure each issue is of the highest quality for you, the reader. Follow the infographic below for an inside look as to how the newspaper that you are holding came to life.

1 . Storyboarding process

Storyboarding is the process in which writers pitch story ideas to be considered for publication. Writers must come prepared with an idea they want to share. They have 30 seconds to present their idea, followed by a minute to answer questions from staff. A story idea is only considered for publication if two-thirds of the class votes in favor of it. Staff members vote on an idea based on its newsworthiness and anticipated reader interest.  

2. Maestro process

For each article selected for publication, writers compose a maestro, which is a document that outlines necessary information to include in the article and how writers plan to obtain it. During the maestro process, writers must define the article’s purpose, compile lists of potential sources, generate ideas for graphics, identify the most important topics to address in the article and establish why the article is valuable for readers. 

3. Interviewing

For each article selected for publication, writers compose a maestro, which is a document that outlines necessary information to include in the article and how writers plan to obtain it. During the maestro process, writers must define the article’s purpose, compile lists of potential sources, generate ideas for graphics, identify the most important topics to address in the article and establish why the article is valuable for readers. 

4. Good copy

Writers spend two weeks crafting their articles before submitting a polished draft, known as good copy, to editors for review. Good copy is expected to adhere to all rules in the Torch stylebook, a 74-page guide on proper journalistic formatting. Putting together a good copy is similar to writing an entire research paper in just two weeks and receiving detailed critiques from six teachers. 

5. Final copy

Final copy is the last version of an article that editors comment on and incorporates all feedback from good copy. Refined in a week or less, final copy should be written like a model essay that showcases the highest-quality content and is free of stylistic errors.

6. Ultimate copy

Ultimate copy is the complete version of an article that addresses all feedback from final copy. All information in ultimate copy must meet journalistic standards for clarity, accuracy and novelty. Like a live broadcast, every aspect needs to be flawless and perfectly timed before going on air, or, in an article’s case, getting published.

7. Commenting

Editors leave comments on articles to provide constructive feedback that sharpens writing, improves precision and ensures adherence to stylebook rules. Editors focus on grammar, word choice and quote selection. Comments are typically provided within a 48-hour deadline and guide writers to produce work that meets the highest journalistic standards.

8. Pages

Editors use InDesign, a professional-grade publishing software, to create each page of the newspaper. On each version of a page, editors exchange feedback and make revisions to finalize content and design. Pages are revised up to and during press night, the final push to finish the paper.  

9. Press night

Staff members typically attend two press nights per issue, which take place from 3:15 to 8:15 p.m. on school nights and provide editors with dedicated time to complete pages before publication. Each page is carefully reviewed by editors, who follow a detailed checklist to provide feedback for revisions. Press nights are also opportunities for staff bonding and fun activities, such as bake-offs and talent shows.

10. Distribution

Distribution is the process of delivering the Torch to the community and takes place the morning an issue is published. Staff members hand copies of the newspaper to students and place additional Torches in resource centers, offices and on newspaper stands throughout the school. Copies are also mailed to various destinations beyond the school.