Submitted by Michelle Read, Student Activities
Empowering student voices to tell stories of school communities through campus yearbooks and newspapers was the focus of the recent fall publications workshop, hosted by Dallas ISD Student Activities Department at Skyline High School.
The workshop, which included 252 young journalists, aimed to prepare students to create enduring publications that capture the essence of their schools. Students gained new perspectives, knowledge, and skills and were ready to bring their creative ideas back to their schools.
Young journalists like Anavay B., yearbook editor and senior at Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. Early College High School at El Centro College, had the opportunity to improve their skills, and gain deeper appreciation for their craft.
“Participating in workshops like this one provides great opportunities for us to develop new skills in photography and writing,” Anavay said.
Erika Escobedo, student activities manager, said students and teachers participated in the annual publications workshop, where experts offered courses in photography, writing, and editing articles, and creating catchy captions.
“By sponsoring these types of workshops for journalism students, the department helps campuses maintain strong programs in yearbook and newspaper, ensuring a lasting legacy that documents the news, people, and stories of each year,” she said.
Student Activities provided each campus with a new high-end camera for their program. The workshop included sessions on traditional and smartphone photography, focusing on composition and camera settings.
To enhance the photographs students will be taking throughout the year, they received expert guidance on the journalistic writing process, with a strong emphasis on developing compelling stories. Additionally, they learned how to write captivating captions and articles.
During the workshop, teachers had time to reflect at a special lunch session with veteran advisers where they collaborated and shared ideas on creating and publishing journalistic yearbooks and newspapers.
Seasoned yearbook adviser, Corwin A. Turner III, from Mark Twain School for the Talented & Gifted said involvement in publications programs offers students benefits that extend beyond learning new skills and fostering creativity because it allows students to capture and reflect on their friendships, accomplishments, and milestones.
“Involvement in journalism activities can pave the way to careers in communications, media, journalism, or photography for some students,” he said. “It is a gateway to qualities such as time management, self-expression, and community involvement.”
