Starr’s Mill Administrator Honored for Support of School Journalists

The Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) has awarded a second administrator at Starr’s Mill High with its coveted Administrator of the Year award. 

Shane Ratliff, athletic director and assistant principal, is the recipient of the 2020 award. Principal Allen Leonard was the school’s first administrator to receive the award in 2018.

The GSPA Administrator of the Year award honors an administrator who has demonstrated strong support for the journalism process, which includes administrative access, support of the publication in pursuing controversial issues, financially supporting the publication, and in general, fostering a culture of journalism support within the school.

According staff at “The Prowler,” Ratliff has helped them secure tickets for state playoff games, assisted in partnerships with coaches, and helped set up the 100^th episode of “Coach’s Corner.” When purchasing a new scorer’s table for the school’s basketball teams, he opted for a longer table so that the journalists could have a court-side seat next to the statisticians. The staff also notes that Ratliff granted access to a new social media platform that will strengthen the publication’s bond with the athletic department.