An Intro to High School Journalism: Seniors Erica Lu and Maya Jones Discuss Sidwell’s Horizon

BY SUOMO QUARSHIE

Seniors Erica Lu and Maya Jones from Sidwell Friends School joined elementary school students in the GWS Summer Writing Workshop to share their insights on running a high school publication. Lu and Jones are Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor, respectively, for Horizon, Sidwell’s student newspaper. Horizon has been published since 1974 and is an opportunity for students to develop their writing skills while simultaneously exploring their interests through sections like news, culture, and sports. Ever since she was a child, Lu loved to read the newspaper and write. Once she got to high school, Horizon immediately piqued her interest. She recommends that students “find a section or sections that [they] are interested in and start writing for them!”

Erica Lu and Maya Jones. Horizon

Many students must develop new habits when they start writing for Horizon. Staff writers begin by attending an article assignment day where they identify a section and topic that intrigue them. After a student confirms their topic, they begin the research process. Online research can spark this process, but the majority of students must interview staff members, students, and other sources to obtain original quotes to support their articles. Then, by a deadline, students submit their finished articles to their section editors. “It can be scary at first to write,” says Jones, “because it’s something new and you don't know what to expect, but I think it's super fun and editors are always there to help you.” Throughout the process, it is important that a journalist maintains integrity, striving to include accurate information, write without bias, and provide every side of a story. Lu describes journalistic integrity as “the heart of journalism.”

The Horizon website. Horizon

If a student wishes to advance in the newspaper, they can become a section editor. When editing, one must assess the tone, grammar, style, and the structure of the article, as well as how the article can fit into the newspaper as a whole. Lu asserts that “balance is important all throughout the publication,” meaning the newspaper must include a wide variety of topics and perspectives. While Horizon is a high school newspaper, the skills it allows students to develop can be utilized throughout the rest of their future careers. To read news from Horizon, check out https://sidwellhorizon.org/.