What's Happening?
Lakewood High School's print and digital journalism classes recently visited Kent State University for an immersive experience in the field of journalism. The trip provided students with a preview of college-level journalism education and highlighted
various career opportunities within media. Students participated in sessions focused on story creation, interviewing techniques, production processes, and creative media strategies. Mary Beth Earnheardt, chair and professor of strategic communication and media at Youngstown State University, emphasized the fundamental importance of storytelling in building empathy and social connection. The curriculum also extended to visual media and yearbook design, where students learned about finding design inspiration from everyday life and the critical role of time management in production. Angela Hunker and Brittany Totten, representatives from Varsity Yearbook, guided students on how to gather inspiration from diverse sources like sports branding, fashion magazines, and streaming platforms, reinforcing the idea that inspiration is ubiquitous.
Why It's Important?
This educational initiative is crucial for fostering the next generation of journalists and media professionals in the U.S. By connecting high school students with university-level instruction and industry insights, it demystifies the profession and showcases the diverse skills required in modern media. The emphasis on storytelling as a tool for empathy and social connection highlights journalism's broader societal role beyond mere fact-reporting. For students, this exposure can be pivotal in shaping their academic and career paths, potentially leading to increased enrollment in journalism programs and a more skilled workforce in the media industry. Furthermore, understanding the importance of visual media and design in storytelling reflects the evolving landscape of communication, preparing students for a multimedia-rich professional environment. This type of experiential learning bridges the gap between theoretical classroom knowledge and practical, real-world applications.
What's Next?
Following this visit, Lakewood High School journalism students are expected to apply the insights and techniques learned at Kent State University to their ongoing projects, including their school newspaper and yearbook. The emphasis on time management and year-long preparation for yearbook production will likely lead to more organized and creatively robust student publications. The exposure to various media specialties may also influence students' choices for college majors and future career paths, potentially increasing interest in journalism, communications, and related fields. Educators at Lakewood High School might integrate some of the practical advice and industry perspectives shared during the trip into their curriculum, further enhancing the relevance and real-world applicability of their journalism courses. This experience could also inspire future collaborations between Lakewood High School and Kent State University or other higher education institutions.
Beyond the Headlines
This visit underscores a broader trend in education: the increasing importance of experiential learning and direct engagement with professional fields. In an era where information consumption is rapidly changing, equipping young people with robust journalistic skills—critical thinking, ethical reporting, and effective storytelling—is more vital than ever. The focus on empathy through storytelling addresses a critical need in contemporary society, where digital communication can sometimes foster disconnection. By teaching students to find inspiration in everyday life for visual design, the program also subtly encourages a more observant and creative approach to the world around them, skills valuable far beyond journalism. This initiative contributes to strengthening local media ecosystems by nurturing talent from an early age, ensuring a pipeline of informed and skilled communicators who can contribute to a well-informed citizenry.
