During English class, you’re given a packet with “The Titan Times” in bold black ink at the top. It contains a mix of silly stories, formal stories, and everything in between. However, it’s not just a packet. It’s one of the most important forms of communication: a newspaper.
Before phones, before TV, even before radio, newspapers were the primary source of information and connection. They provided insight into what was happening around the world. A paperboy rode around on his bike, a beige satchel slung over his shoulder, throwing the newspaper onto each porch. It was rolled up and held by a rubber band, and covered with plastic on rainy days.
Have you ever wanted to be a part of that magic? Ever wondered what happens to make a newspaper happen? It all begins with journalism: the art of writing for newspapers, magazines, news websites, or broadcasts. Whether it’s professional and you have a degree in journalism, or you decided to sign up for a class in high school, it’s the same idea–just different levels.
For the past four years, EPGHS has offered a Journalism course during the fall semester. What does it involve? Well, yes, there are class assignments and notes, but you have fun too. You get to learn the basics of constructing news articles, along with studying the different types of journalism, parts of a newspaper, and how to properly interview someone. Before you know it, you’ll be able to whip up an interesting article in no time. As someone who took Journalism last semester, I’d say that even when you feel lazy, the working environment of the class will energize you. Together, students brainstorm article ideas. You can count on feeling seen and heard. There is so much that journalism has to offer everyone. Because Journalism class is only for the fall semester, former students of the class decided to create a club that will continue to publish stories during the spring semester.
Former Journalism student Aaliyah Durcholz stated, “It [journalism] helped me make new friends and provided instruction on how to do better on essays and articles. It’s helped me in my English class and helped me be creative. I learned how to set things up better [in writing], and how to make more grammatical sense. I love all of my peers in here [Journalism]. We’re super close–basically family.”
Olivia Payne, another Journalism student, explained, “The atmosphere of it [journalism] is really fun, and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I was upset that Journalism ended after first semester. But, then we started a club, and I was so glad that we were able to do it. Over time, from Journalism, I learned how to ask questions on the spot [in interviews], and I created so many bonds from this class too.” Olivia encouraged, “Join journalism. It’s a really fun class, and you learn a lot more than just what makes a good story.”
Journalism is taught by Mr. Martin. He stated, “One reason I enjoy Journalism class is that it’s kind of informal. You work together as a class on stories, brainstorm ideas, and that can be a lot of fun. Sometimes you come up with goofy ideas. It’s also one of those classes where kids can show off their own interests and talents, and be individuals. Writing news stories is not a one-size-fits-all assignment. People can write what they want to write about.” He continued, “It’s a great class because there are a lot of skills that kids develop that are useful in all sorts of ways, in terms of gathering information, doing research, and writing for an actual, real-world audience. It gets people out of their shells.”
I moved on to ask Mr. Martin how he feels about his first year with the Journalism Club. He explained, “I’m excited about it. We only have one journalism class first semester, but I know second semester, kids miss getting the newspaper. I think students will appreciate getting a newspaper throughout the year, and I know several writers are excited to continue writing.” For the present, the Journalism Club is open to students who have already taken the class.
Journalism is an awesome class, but none of it would be possible without each student working together to create articles with Mr. Martin’s help. It’s really more than just a class or being a part of a newspaper staff. It’s a family, and a great one.
