Student journalists share their voices
MFL MarMac High School students work through a broadcast script for a video that will go on the new student news site, The Bulldog Growl. The website will also feature stories written by students about a variety of school-related topics. Beginning next week, their work will be shared monthly in the North Iowa Times. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
A new English class offered at MFL MarMac High School is allowing students to become journalists by sharing their voices online, through a news website they’ve named The Bulldog Growl. Beginning next week, students’ work will also be shared monthly in the North Iowa Times.
Students will tackle a variety of school-related topics—everything from new staff and school rules to ACT testing and the latest Bulldog sports action.
The website, bulldoggrowl.com, will be updated regularly with the students’ articles. It will also feature student video broadcast packages, in addition to polls and recent sports scores.
Teacher Angie Killian said writing skills, technology and speaking will be the three main areas of emphasis for the class.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m enjoying it,” shared student Brittany Cornwell about her thoughts on the class so far. “It’s a good opportunity, and you learn a lot.”
Cornwell and Ryan Pritchard said learning a different technique of writing, in news writing, is what they’ve most enjoyed.
“You get a feel for what someone in the news business does,” added Nick Larson.
Cade Kuenster said the independence the class offers students, both in working and coming up with story ideas, is refreshing.
Playing a role in how those at school get their news is also fun, Whitney Boots said.
“It’s cool being in charge of something for the school,” she remarked.
Killian said she hopes the class will encourage students to look at both sides of an issue, but also develop their own opinions.
“I want them to have a voice and learn how their voices should be heard in a positive way,” she said, “to know what they have to say can have an impact.”
