Ninth graders work for a national competition and eighth graders get ready to start anew in the newspaper world. These eighth graders, who recently visited the newspaper room, will go on to become next year’s journalists.
“There’s a lot of great opportunities and I [look forward to] learning a lot about writing and technological aspects,” eighth grader Jacob Long said.
During visitation, the ninth grade editors presented pros and cons of joining newspaper . Topics included the “often enjoyed” NY trip, a travel to PA’s capital, Harrisburg, not to mention, staff members enjoy the liberty of writing on any school subject they please, with minor limitations, courtesy of the Supreme Court and the first amendment.
Additional perks include the JEA Young Aspiring Journalist Portfolio (national competition with rewards, credibility, etc. included) , pizza parties (birthdays, special events, etc.),secret pals (every staff member has another member from which they receive presents throughout the year, plus a party at the end of the year to meet such a “pal”), bowling trips (possibility of taking a bowling trip with chaperones to congratulate good work), and more.
These possibilities and more are courtesy of Wanda Pletcher and various other teachers and parents, willing to put in free time for a productive class.
The JEA journalist of the year competition involves taking a single student’s portfolio through several states and a final competition. Last year, writer Alyssa Fasolo, went on to become second place out of hundreds of schools and students, after a Florida school student. This year, Ashton Leberfinger will go on to represent “The Livewire.”
“Newspaper is a more enjoyable version of English class [as long as behavior is at least slightly acceptable],” Kearsten Sprankle, Zach Garlick, Ashton Leberfinger, Collin Dougherty and others said.
“It’s good on your college record to be in press,” Kirsten Carter said.
“Everyone I know in it [enjoys] it,” Courtney Carter said.
To the eighth graders expecting to join, the members of “The Livewire” wish luck and encouragement in the decisions for the upcoming school year.
