Mary Bancroft’s introduction to the Dartmouth High student newspaper was quite accidental.

In her freshman year, the writer sought to join Dartmouth High’s literary magazine, but mistakenly signed up to write for student newspaper. Now a junior, she is The Spectrum's executive editor-in-chief and a national award winner for her writing.

A recent article, College Acceptance Wall: Moved to the Guidance Office, won her a silver award from the National Scholastic Art and Writing competition in March.

The article was about the school administration’s decision to relocate a wall containing students’ college acceptance letters. The move upset many students, and her article resulted in a reversal of the change.

“Journalism in general is just amazing in the way it influences people and can affect things like elections and change people’s mindsets,” Bancroft said.

The award included an invitation to the New York Times summer internship program, but she had to reluctantly decline due to financial reasons. She is still an avid reader of the Times, however.

As the executive editor-in-chief of The Spectrum, she’s responsible for the layout and production of the paper. It was a position she took on in her sophomore year, and an experience she owes to teacher Will Higgins. He taught her the fundamentals of journalism.

Her other inspiration comes from Hamilton star Lin Manuel Miranda.

“I guess writing songs and writing stories isn’t necessarily the same thing, but he has a good way with words and also he just seems very happy with his life, which is something I aspire to,” Bancroft said.

So far she hasn’t settled on her college options or a major. She is debating studying journalism, law, or publishing. For colleges she is looking at Emerson College and Northeastern University.

One thing is for sure: she wants to be influential.

“Writing is my favorite thing to do, so I think definitely whatever I’m doing, I want to be doing that,” Bancroft said. “I think my main goal is to do something that has a positive impact. I don’t think I could do something that isn’t affecting the world at all.”

When Bancroft isn’t huddled down with french vanilla chai tea writing, she is enjoying her other hobby, dancing. For 12 years she has been a part of the New Bedford Ballet.