History of the Red and Black
by: Maire Moriarty, Arts & Entertainment Editor, and Sean Flanagan, Staff Writer

   While no one knows the origin of the Red and Black , it is believed to have been started at the founding of Reading High. Ever since its start, the tradition of    writing a school paper has been a part of RHS history.  Once upon a time, it was so important to RHS that editions were sent to the surrounding middle schools.
   The paper first started out as more of a newsletter, printed on 8-1/2 x 11 paper  in a printing press in the library. The job of printing then moved to VoTech, until they couldn't produce it anymore. Some years back, then-teacher Mr. Eric Flamm took over the Red and Black, and with the help of yearbook advisor, Mr. Kearney, found a company called the Danville News to print the paper on real newsprint for a good price. Just this year, the newsprint option became impossible and the      paper is now online.
   Over the years, new technologies have come to the newspaper. Computers are a major tool used in the shaping of each edition, and with them, the Internet is an important source for research. Recently the paper has procured a selection of  digital cameras for better illustration of the editions.
   This year the school newspaper was taken over by Mrs. Clare Ogle. " I am       confident in my staff and the variety of stories that we have been working on," she says about her new position at the top of the journalistic pyramid. "At first I was a little nervous at the prospect of the paper being online, but that was a challenge  we conquered.  I also feel that each issue is better than the last."
   The regularity of publishing over the years has changed. When it first arrived, the Red and Black was a daily occurrence. In the 1940's, it was weekly; then        bi-weekly. Last year the staff managed to squeeze out two issues, and this year they have produced four so far.
   The general attitude for the new face of the paper has been good, although many are nostalgic for good old newsprint.

At Right: the newspaper used to be printed and now is only available online.

SOUND OFF:  What do you think about the Red and Black's new look? Which is better, online or on paper?  Email your comments to       rhsredandblack@yahoo.com.