The Blue & White is the entirely student-run newspaper of Paul R. Wharton High School in Tampa, Florida. Every story is reported, written, photographed, and edited by Wharton students.
Founded in 1997, The Blue & White has covered Wharton for over two decades — from championship seasons and school board decisions to the everyday stories of the people who make this school what it is.
We believe student journalism matters. A high school newspaper is not a practice run for real journalism — it is real journalism. The stories we cover affect real people. The issues we investigate have real consequences. We take that seriously.
"To inform, challenge, and represent the Wharton community — with accuracy, fairness, and the independence that good journalism requires."
Our newsroom covers school and district news, Wharton athletics, local culture and events in the Tampa area, opinion and editorial writing, and the human stories inside our own school through our We Are Wharton section. The Wharton Brief is our student-produced video news series.
The Blue & White operates as a student press. Editorial decisions are made by student editors, not school administration. Our faculty adviser supports the program and guides student journalists but does not direct editorial content.
We are committed to accuracy. If you believe something we published contains an error, please contact us. Corrections are published promptly and transparently.
Contact us about a correction →The Blue & White follows the ethical guidelines of the Society of Professional Journalists. Four principles guide our work.
Seek truth and report it. We strive for accuracy in every story. We verify information before publishing, identify our sources whenever possible, and never fabricate or plagiarize. Headlines, photos, and quotes represent people and events honestly.
Minimize harm. We treat the people we cover as human beings deserving of respect. We are especially careful when reporting on minors and on private individuals who have not sought public attention.
Act independently. Our highest obligation is to our readers. Coverage is not for sale and is not influenced by personal relationships, and we disclose any unavoidable conflicts of interest.
Be accountable and transparent. We take responsibility for our work. When we make a mistake, we correct it promptly and openly. Readers who believe we have erred are encouraged to contact us, and we will address the concern quickly.