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The Register at Omaha Central High School has won numerous awards, including the Pacemaker Award and two consecutive "Best in Show" awards from the National Scholastic Press Association. Yet, school officials have expressed dismay about the paper and have reportedly tried to gain more control over the newspaper's content.

Principal Gary Thompson and other administrators met with the paper's adviser last Friday, where they raised concerns about the paper's aggressive reporting and edgy articles.

Stories in the latest edition include an investigative probe into the use of methamphetamine by high school students and an analysis of the death penalty. It was not until the newspaper ran the story, "Athlete plays despite assault charges," that administrators said they had had enough.

The article was about a football player who was charged with two counts of assault in August. Even though district policy made him ineligible to play because of the charges, he participated in five football games -- before the newspaper brought his eligibility into question.

Thompson was concerned about the story because it contained the football player's name. He cautioned editor Matt Wynn and journalism adviser Matt Deabler about the implications of running the story, but ultimately allowed the newspaper to make the final decision.

Following the reports of censorship, several state media outlets rushed to cover the school's actions. The national Society of Professional Journalists has stepped into the mix, urging school officials to keep their hands off The Register.