About

The Pony Express is a student-run newspaper produced by and for the students of Center Hill High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Originally operated as a club, Pony Express was supplemented by members of the Foundations of Journalism class, the students broadcast Mustang TV, and the student yearbook staff, The Mustang. As of fall 2023, the two publication staffs combined to run both the newspaper and the yearbook, which operate out of Center Hill’s new Print Journalism class.

Last year’s *Pony Express* staff members pose for a photo opportunity before covering the 2023 Homecoming parade outside of Center Hill High School. (Ashtyn McAdams)

The mission of The Pony Express is to provide quality, thought-provoking student work focused on the events and issues that affect the CHHS community. As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of CHHS. Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of CHHS, its students and faculty.

Because of COVID-19, Pony Express switched from a print publication to a fully digital, online only publication for the 2020-2021 school year. Printing may resume in the future.

Stefany Sobotka and Madeline Fowler show off their awards from MSPA’s Best of Mississippi for Spring 2024. Next year, Sobotka and Fowler will take on bigger leadership roles in the publications, as Editor-in-Chief of The Mustang and Assistant Publications Editor, respectively. (Ashtyn McAdams)

Currently, journalism teacher and MSPA board member Ashtyn McAdams advises both publications. After serving as sports director last year, Erik Mendoza is Editor-in-Chief of Pony Express for the 2024-2025 school year, while Stefany Sobotka is Editor-in-Chief for The Mustang. Madeline Fowler serves as the Assistant Editor for both publications.

24-25 CHHS Publications Editorial Board:

Erik Mendoza, Editor-in-Chief of The Pony Express
Stefany Sobotka, Editor-in-Chief of The Mustang
Maddie Fowler, Assitant Publications Editor
Arturo Guerrero II, Photography Editor
Staphina Jones, Social Media Manager
Leviticus Johnson, Business Manager
Ashtyn S. McAdams, Faculty Advisor