In the words of the prolific poet Garth Brooks, “Life is not tried, it is merely survived, if you’re standing outside the fire.” There’s a group of students at North Kitsap High who aren’t only trying life, but they’re lighting their own fire — one of literary sorts.

A handful of students have seized the change on the winds at North Kitsap — spurred by the facilities renovation and the well-documented school spirit — to begin a campus newspaper.

They figured it was just about time someone did it, so they did.

Monickered The North Wind, the newspaper is the result of North’s newly established Journalism Club. In its first edition, co-editor Talitha Aban and layout artist Sara Jo Barrett laid it out for their readers on the intent and purpose for The North Wind’s creation.

“The objective of The North Wind is not only to inform students, but also to promote freedom of the press at North Kitap High School. It is our goal to cover all topics that interest students, from sports to politics, from local issues to movies,” they wrote.

They may still be in their formative years, but they are wise far beyond them.

In a true stroke of genius, the J-Club has turned control of the newspaper’s content over to the readers, as any newspaper worth the soybean oil it’s printed with would.

They asked opinions. They invited debate by encouraging letters to the editor.

From the feedback the staff received, students are looking for “more controversial” content, Aban said.

The staff is already covering — and covering well — news that has the students talking.

Remember the half-day standoff at the Peninsula Glen Apartments on March 12? It’s in there.

How about the hoopla during basketball season that incurred because sports fans weren’t allowed to eat in the school’s gym. It’s in there, too.

And, of course, the opinion pieces are no-holds-barred. One, titled “What grinds my gears,” is a student’s opinion about high school portfolios. His beef is that students start portfolios their freshman year, then the portfolios sit idle until their senior year. “How can a project, which is supposed to show our growth throughout high school, cover only two years of it?” he wonders.

Kudos, kudos, kudos.

This newspaper is a healthy, creative outlet for students to be heard — for them to be in control of their own message.

It’s a wonderful, worthwhile project that needs some community support to improve and survive.

To find out how you can assist these fine, young striving journalists, contact North Kitsap High School at (360) 779-4408.