The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

Jamie Manhart's yearbook, newspaper and photography staff members wait for the opening address at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association's Fall Conference at the University of Kansas. (Photo by Abby Cunningham)

Journalism students "define the moment" at KU

By Megan Bowers

October 07, 2004

“Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk!” was the sound coming from 13 Silver Lake High School journalism students as they headed to the University of Kansas Sept. 27 for the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference.

Overall, the students learned to “define the moment” in all of their publications and photos, veering away from the ordinary and capturing the emotions and unique moments of high school.

Senior journalism staff member Erin Massek said that the conference was enlightening.

“Going to KU was a great experience. I learned many creative ideas that will be helpful to the staff and me in the future,’ Massek stated.

The students attended three different sessions of their choice. The sessions ranged from newspaper topics to yearbook issues to photography ideas and everything in between. Each session was an hour long and was led by a speaker that excelled in the journalism field.

SLHS journalism adviser Jamie Manhart commented that the conference was beneficial to the staff members on several levels.

“I think that the fall conference is advantageous for all of the students because it opens their eyes to scholastic journalism when they see other students from other schools facing the same issues that they face. They are enthusiastic students, and I am really looking forward to this year,” she said.

The staff members who attended this event included seniors Megan Bowers, Kaela Cairns, Jordan Childers, Abby Cunningham, Rachelle DeShazo, Massek, and Amie Worthington. Juniors were Lauren Cunningham, Kathryn McDonald, Ashley Runkle, and Valerie Roberson. Sophomores Danielle Bulson and Erika Massek also attended the event.

The journalism staff members who did not make the trip to KU included seniors Lindsey Davis, Mary Beth Rader, and Mary Young; junior Ashley Lewicki; and sophomores Hunter Bowers, Jessica Hawkins, Calla Mounkes, and Erin Willett.

Journalism staff members will have a chance to show off their skills in Februrary when they compete against hundreds of high school students across the state of Kansas at the regional journalism competition in Lawrence.

The "Golden Eagle" yearbook staff members took a field trip to the Jostens publishing plant in Topeka. The students met with an artist to design this year's yearbook cover.