The future of Madison La Follette High School's student newspaper is looking up following a community fundraiser and a groundswell of donations from alumni and others.

As reported in the State Journal in April, The Lance was in jeopardy of shutting down due to rising production costs, district budget cuts and a difficult advertising market. It needed to raise several thousand dollars to pay off its bills this school year to ensure its return this fall.

Students held a bowling fundraiser in mid-April that netted $1,500. Then Ho-Chunk Nation matched the amount with another $1,500.

"We'd hate to have the kids lose The Lance, and we feel journalism is very important," said Anne Thundercloud, a Ho-Chunk spokeswoman. She said some members of Ho-Chunk Nation attend La Follette, although none works on the newspaper staff.

The Ho-Chunk check was presented at a school assembly to Principal Joe Gothard, himself a La Follette graduate. He said the student newspaper's close call has spurred discussions about how best to ensure its long-term survival. One idea is to start a foundation.

"There's been just a groundswell of support," Gothard said.

Faculty adviser Donna Kennedy said a number of people saw the newspaper article and sent donations, including La Follette graduates from each of the last four decades. Madison attorney Don Becker donated $500.

"It was really a nice mix of people who saw it and sent in kind words and some money," Kennedy said. "It looks like we're set pretty good for next year."

Nearly $5,000 has been raised in the last six weeks, said co-editor Kate Feuling, a junior.

"There's been a noticeable improvement in morale, which effects everything we do," she said. "Everything is a lot more secure."

— Doug Erickson

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