The Panel:
The Panel and the Podium have competed for Belmont Hill readership for many years. However, the Panel is winning the race by so much that I even forget the Podium exists half the time. The only time I remember is when Glick sends an email to the whole school, which immediately goes into my trash. The most basic stat to measure would be the publication count. The Panel will publish eight times this year, and the Podium will only manage to get out two. Point Panel.
Within each publication, the Panel again excels in its content. The Meal of the Month thoroughly describes the fantastic meals we eat each month. The issue’s Athlete and Artist highlight excellent community members who succeed on the field and in the concert hall. The Backpage brings together our community over humor and makes light of the recent events. We have such an exciting debate published without the Debate of the Issue, which is only available in the Panel? The Podium produces interesting history material but is few and far between.
I may be biased as an editor; however, not even bias can turn this argument in the Podium’s favor, so I will continue. Besides myself, the Panel executives and their assistants are the best in years. Mr. Hegarty chose to step down last year because he knew that these guys could handle the organization and execution of the paper with their premier intellect. On the other hand, is my opponent, Mr. Glick. While he has some redeeming qualities, none of which I will mention, he has been quoted by many on the Podium staff as a vicious tyrant. He fits both the nature and stature of Napoleon. Additionally, their advisor is Mr. Harvey, which explains why their editions are only published every six months.
Finally, their namesakes. The Panel is an esteemed Belmont Hill tradition. Every boy must choose, carve, and finish their piece of wood to graduate, and it is then displayed for all future generations to see. Each offers personality through the craftwork of the individual. The Podium: uhhhh….in the Chapel? There is no “Belmont Hill Podium”. Boys do not go up to speak to graduate; half the time, it isn’t even on the stage.
The Panel vs. Podium is as if the Thyucidides trap problem, with an established and rising power, were perpetually stuck in the beginning phase. The Panel will always be better.
The Podium:
Belmont Hill has had a long history of involvement in clubs that have allowed students to explore their interests beyond the school’s set curriculum. Publications, most notably the long-running newspaper, The Panel, have long been a part of the school’s tradition. Each month, students peer through its contents, though rarely feel satisfied. While reading about what happened several weeks ago on campus or an abridged retelling of world news may be interesting, students, such as myself, often yearn for more in-depth content that matters. Though less well-known, Belmont Hill has another publication, one that was founded on principles of innovation and embracing change. The Podium, first printed in 2015, represents another new voice for students and another channel for them to delve deeper into world issues, past and present.
Unlike The Panel, writers for The Podium are given free range to explore any topic even remotely related to history, politics or current events. We encourage students to research things they would not come across in the classroom and may not be traditional subjects for student publications. Authors are not forced to follow the same template used for previous editions; article types vary each cycle. For example, a “debate of the issue” is not always necessary. With this freedom, The Podium’s subject matter is limitless, especially considering The Panel’s preplanned and rigid structure.
Also, The Podium does not censor student voices. We believe in free speech, no matter what someone’s opinion. While Panel authors may be told that their article is too controversial or may discourage applicants from applying to Belmont Hill, anyone writing for The Podium will never be restricted in the subject matter. We believe everyone’s beliefs deserve to be heard, even unpopular. While The Panel is limited by school censorship, The Podium is free to discuss anything and everything.
When comparing the two, one publication stands out. Only one allows students to write about literally anything with their words, not subject to administration oversight. The next time you want to read Belmont Hill students’ honest and uncensored voices, pick up a copy of The Podium; I guarantee you that it will be well worth it.
