Yes, Connersville's Ashley Gross and the rest of the Sampler staff met all of their deadlines in three short days.

It seemed like an impossible task: Organize winning entries from three enrollment divisions of Hoosier Stars and Harveys in both yearbook and newspaper since 2000. There were literally hundreds of entries.

But Chris Conti, adviser at New Palestine, was up to the task. She recruited seven students to work non-stop on the second Sampler publication highlighting the best of Indiana scholastic journalism. Staff members met for the first time June 9. After a quick review of the 60-page ladder, the students from Avon, Greenwood , Scottsburg, New Palestine, Connersville and Franklin Central high schools fell to the task like it was a mission.

Some 150 scans later, the task was done and in the hands of Walsworth Publishing. The newest Sampler will be sent to all IHSPA members early next fall.