West High’s journalism class plays a big part in supporting students and teachers alike. These select few are responsible for daily morning announcements, bulletin videos, news articles, and formerly, the school newspapers. Many students don’t realize that journalism is in charge of these things and take it for granted. The students of journalism, however, work hard through research and the handling of special equipment to ensure all information is professional, accurate and all their duties are carried out smoothly.
The primary advocates for this program are Editor-in-Chief, Jaelyn Randolph and staff advisor, Ms. Baker. When asked what her position requires, Randolph replies that as the Editor in Chief, she must have communication and leadership skills that allow her to respect others while receiving the same respect. When asked the same thing, Baker replies that administration called for a fully credentialed English teacher to run the program. Ms. Baker met these prerequisites and decided to take up the class since the only other option was for the course to be dropped. This would be a hit on the whole school as there is no other initiative on campus that is devoted solely to the production of unbiased and important school information.
Baker says journalism is important to her because as someone who enjoys the news she understands how vital it is to have truthful information. “I think it’s important to have, first of all, factual information… and I also thinks it’s good practice for writing unbiased information.” Randolph adds that in her own life, journalism played a big part in her writing and communication skills. “I feel like without it… I wouldn’t know how to talk to people as well. It’s helped me a lot to get to know the school and… get to know other people that I usually wouldn’t talk to,” she admits.
When asked why she recommended students to join journalism, Baker replied that in our current world it is especially important for students to realize that media doesn’t have to be partial to opinions. “I think it’s important for everybody to learn how to look at things and see the bias that’s there and go find the other side of the argument and find what you believe,” she shares. Another plus that Randolph mentions as encouragement for students to join the program is that journalism can be a tool through which students can branch out and communicate with classmates. She explains, “It’s a great way to… get your work and your stories out there and to… feel like you have a little light on the campus.”
Although Baker and Randolph are key players in journalism, every student is involved with the selection and production of articles and bulletin videos. Through collaboration and brainstorming the journalism team seeks to provide all of West High with enjoyable and factual information to help students stay up to date with current news and activities. If you’re interested in joining journalism or have any questions, see Ms. Baker in MS3, email her at [email protected], DM us @west.high.zephyr, or visit our website https://whszephyr.com.
