From Lectures to Letters: SHS Paw Print Attends SCSU Annual Journalism Day

On October 18, 2024, the Suffield High School Newspaper Club attended Southern Connecticut State University for the Annual High School Journalism Day. Students attended 2 group seminars and a lecture with guest speaker, Lolita Baldor who is a Military and National Security Correspondent for the Associated Press.

Suffield High School student, MK Mormino, shared their experience at the Journalism Day, focusing on the popular guest speaker, “the main conference went well and was quite informative. Lolita showed how being a reporter can be more than just writing for your local town, but reporting all around the globe on international affairs… My favorite part of the day was being able to learn about all these different aspects of writing with my friends.” Students were able to grasp ideas and the skills of journalism with this writing “boot-camp”, leaving the event with knowledge they can bring back to their classrooms and newspapers, and fond memories that will last a lifetime!

Each participant who attended worked with SCSU professors on 2 different journalist topics like: sports journalism, editing skills, AI myths and facts, covering hate in journalism, and 16 other exceptional subjects. The students’ time at the event was well-spent, for each participant took home knowledge of individual subtopics on how to investigate newsworthy events, find sources, conduct interviews, and write articles for their school newspaper.

Over 400 students attended the program, making it the largest group in its 39 years of running. Students and High Schools from all across the state of Connecticut showed up to SCSU and were divided into different lecture halls for small group lessons on wide-based journalism topics. Students were able to attend two 50 minute seminars. Each seminar was led by professors from the university, who are experts in their crafts, and journalists from over the state of Connecticut who put in years of hard work and dedication to their industry.

Speaking fondly of his time at the event, Suffield High School Newspaper Advisor Mr. Kibby, led on to praise the organization and graceful fluidity of the event leaders along with the skills of the key-note speaker, “I thought the speakers and the event itself was really well organized… Sometimes key-note speakers can be hit or miss, but she [Lolita Baldor] was honestly more impressive than I expected.”

Students throughout the state continue to talk about their time at the SCSU Annual Journalism Day, and consistently praise the event directors, journalists, and professors for the astonishing event.