TOW #9: 96.3 by: Delaney Doran

As I sat down to write this week’s TOW, a neglected copy of the Trojan Times sat staring at me on my desk. Sadly, the average Wiss student does not pay much attention to these monthly papers, so, I felt bad, and picked it up. Interestingly enough, the paper actually has a plethora of article types, humorous and informative alike. On the front page of the November issue is Delaney Doran, a senior this year, with her article “96.3”.

“96.3” highlights how Wissahickon scored a 96.3 on the PA School Performance Profile assessment. Doran first tells the reader what the Performance Profile assessment is, and what it is made up of. Then, she talks about why Wissahickon deserves this honor. Her purpose is to let the average Wiss student know that their school is not the “ratchet” or “ghetto” school that they might hear about in the hallways. She aims to point out that Wissahickon is actually a great place to get an education.

To help her reach the students, Doran begins with a strong introduction, highlighting Wissahickon’s strengths as a school with strong diction. Doran points out Wissahickon’s “stellar visual and musical arts programs” (para. 1). This appeals to those students reading the article who are musical, and get “props”. Not only that, but the word “stellar” has a strong connotation, but types of student can understand this word. If Doran had used a more advanced word, many may not have known the meaning and either been confused, or decide to stop reading. Doran also points out the “outstanding” teachers and sports teams that “continually compete at regional and state levels” (para. 1). The majority of her article then uses facts to illustrate how this recognition was given and what it means. To bring her point full circle, Doran closes her article with a humorous but resounding ending. She says that she wants to congratulate the teachers of Wiss for their “A” (para. 6). Using the play on words, Doran is able to connect to students and teachers alike with this reference to grading. Therefore, Doran proves her point that Wissahickon is in fact a great place to get an education through strong diction, hard facts, and a funny but effective ending.

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