Sarah Garrecht Gassen addressed the ASNE Institute in Phoenix.
I find that my editors wait until the absolute last moment to write their opinion piece, and often times they come out with mediocrity. Often they aren’t asking the important questions. Who cares? So what? We have lots of issues going on in our school. The largest one is an upcoming change to a new schedule which includes an increase in core classes and a possible loss of electives. While we advise our students to be fearless, I’ve had a hard time getting them to take a risk. They seem to be afraid of reprisal from other staff, the principal, etc.
Hearing Sarah’s stories and advice gave me some ideas on how to approach them and help encourage them to continue to get out there. With issues of prior review, her idea on letter writing to put those people of authority into the community spotlight of the local paper is gold. I also think the idea of weekly interviews with the principal, police chief, and other local leaders is such a great way to build rapport and support.
This has also got me to think that all of my journalists should keep track of their opinions and side bar comments. They may not write the opinion piece, but maybe it will help us generate good ideas for the editors.
Brandon Michaud
Winnacunnet High School
Hampton N.H.
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