The goal of this thesis was to present an overview of the cultural journalism program, the mechanics involved, and an example of the actual work produced by high school students as their marketable product. This examination of the "Foxfire" method has not been confined to this thesis alone, for it has proven to be the foundation of a cultural journalism class at Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia. "Mountain Trace" has the distinction of being the first undertaking of its type in West Virginia, and one of the pilot projects in the United States. Currently, there are approximately 150 such projects in the United States, collecting and preserving the heritage from various communities. Of these, several have achieved national prominence by producing volumes containing excerpts from their magazines. These project participants are interested in the collection, preservation, and dissemination of the oral history and heritage of their areas. The perceived problem of the study seeks a close relationship between the school and community. This association allows students to share with and learn from the older generation. This study includes an introduction with the problem statement, purpose, methods, and procedures of the study. A review of the literature covers the areas of advisor student relationship, funding, advertising and publicizing, writing, archiving, and incorporation. Illustrations and accompanying text from the study tell stories of instruction, theme, and character. Implications and recommendations are included. A 31-item bibliography and an appendix outlining the steps needed to form a corporation conclude the document. (Author/DK)