Warrior Highlights

The Warrior Highlights was started in Tuba City, Arizona at Tuba City High School in 1968. The school newspaper ran bi-weekly during the academic year and published a variety of articles written by students. Located in Coconino County, Tuba City High’s student population consisted of youth from the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe, and the news reflected the topics important to the school community.

During the fall semester of 1970, student Merrill Honahni served as editor. Shirleen Billy became editor in the spring of 1971, and by 1972 students Leonard Tuchawena and Sheri Lucas served as co-editors. In 1972 the masthead stated that the Warrior Highlights was published by members of journalism classes at Tuba City High School. The principal was Mr. Edward McNamara. Warrior Highlights was a member of the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association.

The high school paper covered sports and upcoming social events, such as school dances and fashion shows. It published student opinion polls and covered Student Council meetings. In addition, reporters kept fellow students updated by penning movie and book reviews about recent portrayals of indigenous culture in mainstream pop culture. In 1971, the paper issued a review reprinted from the Arizona Wildcat titled “Little Big Man: landmark film for treatment of Indian.” Other notable articles from different American Indian journals were reprinted to share with students.

Editorials were also written by students. The spotlight allowed students to voice their concerns about the school structure. Merrill Honahni reported that “92% of students were . . . in favor of having a longer lunch hour.” Residents of Tuba City also wrote to the newsletter to announce volunteer and job opportunities for students.

Although the paper focused on student life, it also reported on incidents from the Vietnam War. A Spring 1971 issue spoke of the trial of Lieutenant William Calley regarding the My Lai Massacre, with a page offering the students’ opinions about his actions.

Rotating news items included the cafeteria menu, the addition of new students and staff, birthdays, and field trips.