About

The Oarsman is the student-run publication of Venice High School. The school opened in 1910 and a newspaper was created the following year. Venice has consistently had a newspaper since that time. It was named “The Oarsman” at a later unknown date.

Mr. Eli Davidow has been The Oarsman’s adviser since 2020.

Ms. Nancy Zubiri was The Oarsman’s adviser from 2000-2020. Since 2003 she has taken students to the National High School Journalism Convention, where the students and paper have consistently won awards. (See below)

In 2012, The Oarsman was awarded a National Pacemaker by the National Scholastic Press Association, one of only 22 high school papers across the country to win the award.

2012 Award winners:
Michael Cheung, Wikoff Scholarship for Editorial Leadership
Mitchell Handler, Journalism Honor Roll Scholarship

Awards, Write-offs, National High School Journalism Convention
April 2017 – Seattle
Commentary – Excellent, Corinna Pineda
News Writing – Honorable Mention, Maya Manjarrez
Editorial Cartoon – Honorable Mention, Ren Juarez

April 2014 – San Diego
The Oarsman 6th place, Best of Show, Newspaper 8 – 12 pages

April 2013 – San Francisco
Editorial Writing – Honorable Mention Abdul Hai Naqvi

April 2012 – Seattle
Editorial Writing – Superior Rating – Michael Cheung
Sports Writing – Honorable Mention – Gabriela Grijalva

April 2011 – Anaheim
News Writing – Superior Rating – Mitchell Handler

April 2009 – Phoenix
Sports Writing – Superior Rating – Isaac Rosenthal

April 2008 – Anaheim
Feature Writing – Honorable Mention – Marilyn Ramirez
Commentary – Honorable Mention – Olivia Gauthier

April 2007 – Denver
Sports Photography – Honorable Mention – Lushia Mendez

April 2006 – San Francisco
Commentary – Excellent Rating – Jonathan Downie
News Writing – Honorable Mention – Brian Kirk