The Eagle to host H.S. journalism conference

By: Aubrie Lawrence

Upwards to 70 students will be invading campus for The Eagle’s second “We the Journalist” high school newspaper and yearbook conference. The conference will be held in the Student Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23.  

 Students and advisors from Alliance, Chadron, Mitchell, Bayard, and Newcastle, Wyoming will arrive on campus to learn about journalism ethics and .   

“We expanded our reach beyond Nebraska borders because the feedback last year indicated a need for a region, not just our state,” said instructor of journalism and advisor to The Eagle Michael D. Kennedy.  

At the conference, three journalists from the region will be presenting to students on specific topics involving ethical thinking. 

Rich Macke, publisher of the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, the Gering Courier, and the Hemingford Ledger, will discuss reporting ethics. Lauren Brant, reporter and photographer for Star-Herald, will discuss photojournalism ethics. Kerri Rempp, editor of the Chadron Record and general manager of the Chadron Record and Hot Springs (S.D.) Star, will address ethical philosophies that inspire young people to enter journalism.   

“Many people think that journalists don’t have ethics, but we do. It’s the ethics we learn as students and use as professionals that guide our work.” Kennedy said.  

This year, a new advisor session is available for high school advisors to discuss the issues that they may have and find resources that may not be available to them.  

Kennedy added that, while there are not as many schools attending the conference, there are just as many students involved.  

“I know there are more schools out there we could reach and I’m hoping to increase that number next year. It’s only our second year and the word are out. We have no place to go but up,” Said Kennedy.