In the late 1930s, a classroom in Highlands High School was filled with ambition and creativity. In the back of that classroom, a group of students joined together to start the school’s first newspaper, The Hilltopper.
Charles Albert Riggs Jr. had a passionate vision for storytelling. He was a great leader and had so much dedication.
Riggs was not only an amazing writer, but he also motivated his peers to contribute their voices.
During Riggs’ junior year (1938), he had a clear vision to create a platform where students could express themselves and engage with the world around them. He had a sarcastic sense of humor.
With this, Riggs founded The Hilltopper. He was determined to establish a school newspaper where students could reflect the voices of Highlands High School.
Riggs led a group of dedicated students who wanted to share their voices and had the same passion as him to do something big.
“His vision was to create something more than just a newspaper; it would be a place where students could grow and express their creativity,” Charles Albert Riggss’ son, Allan Riggs said.
Some students worked with typewriters carefully putting together their first article, while others started to write the headlines and stories by hand. They would select topics and reports on school events that they thought other students would find interesting.
Without the technology people use now, they would have to produce each copy of the newspaper by hand. It was intense for some students yet they all still stayed committed knowing their work gave voice to their perspectives and ideas.
Once The Hilltopper started, it became a major part of student’s life at Highlands. It covers all kinds of topics, from school events to important events happening around the world.
Riggs made sure it wasn’t just about reporting the news, but also about encouraging students to think critically and express their opinions. The newspaper helped students understand the world around them and gave them a voice in the school.
“I think as journalists we truly do try and capture everyone’s voice, no matter how large or small it is,” current editor-in-chief Emmerson Orme (12) said.
The Hilltopper is now a huge part of Highlands High School journalism students. It teaches them many skills.
“I’ve grown to learn how to be a leader, along with how to improve my time management, communication, and collaboration skills,” Orme said.
Today, The Hilltopper still reflects his vision and reminds us of the importance of giving students a platform to be heard.
The legacy of Riggs is still alive in every article published on the website, showing how one person’s dedication to student expression can have a lasting effect.
