Hallettsville High School is celebrating National Scholastic Journalism Week with breakfast, community outreach and a county proclamation recognizing HBNN and student media.
All members of Quill and Scroll started the week off strong by hosting a teacher breakfast. Every member signed up to bring items ranging from eggs and bacon to fruit, muffins, and the popular mock mimosas! The breakfast was open to all HHS teachers as a way to thank them for supporting student media.
“It’s important for teachers to be supportive of student media, because it’s imperative budding journalists learn how to deliver unbiased information and fully comprehend their influence in our society,” Biology and Forensics teacher Kristen Jasak said.
Teachers comment how they appreciate the work of HBNN and the newspaper staff.
“I love our HBNN, Quill and Scroll and newspaper staff. I love the announcements, their inquisitive nature, and I look forward to the dirty soda bar so much,” Jasak said. “Thanks for all you do Mrs. Opiela, HBNN, Quill and Scroll and Newspaper students.”
Students and advisor Christi Opiela also opened the HBNN and journalism classroom to the public for a community open house. Representatives from the Hallettsville Tribune Herald, the League of Women Voters and the Chamber of Commerce toured the room to see how the broadcast, podcast, yearbook and publication operate.
Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Hagan said student journalism benefits local businesses.
“When student journalists help businesses in the community, it not only helps the students gain knowledge and experience when a student assists them with communication and marketing, it helps the business gain recognition,” Hagan said. “It can be a resource to assist that business rather than having to hire additional personnel.”
As Chamber President, Jennifer has noticed the impact HBNN is making in the community.
“I think that I’m seeing more collaborative efforts between HBNN and organizations,” Hagan said. “I love seeing you guys being more aware and helping with advertising and marketing components.”
The week also included a visit to the Commissioners’ Court, which declared Feb. 26 HBNN Day. Mrs. Opiela shares her view on the proclamation and how meaningful it actually is.
“It is significant because it has never been done before, and it recognizes our achievements,” Opiela said.
National Scholastic Journalism Week coincides with Student Press Freedom Day.
According to the Student Press Law Center, this year’s theme, “Resilience in Action,” celebrates student journalists who “pivot, push forward and raise their voices, even as censorship, intimidation and legal threats escalate.”
The National Scholastic Press Association states, “The First Amendment has no age limit. It extends to the brave journalists covering events across the nation, and it protects student journalists with the same mission.”
Opiela says it best: community support is key. “Being from a small town, it’s extremely important that we have the community’s support, because the hope is that some students decide to come home and possibly continue their media here, impacting the community,” Opiela said.
