Young Jesuit writers flocked to Room 107 on January 19 and 21 to learn the ins and outs of writing a quality news report.
The Roundup hosted the workshop so aspiring reporters could learn the components of a news story. The Roundup moderators, English teachers Dr. Michael Degen and Ms. Sheryl Row and history teacher Mr. Fritz Asche, hosted the event and recruited young writers to learn the basic construction of a news story from former Associated Press journalist Mrs. Susie Andrews.
On Wednesday, January 19, Mrs. Andrews instructed the aspiring Jesuit journalists on the process of covering a news event, using a recent story on the Jesuit Basketball Association draft by Davis Bittner, ’12 as an example. Students attentively took notes–between bites of pizza–on constructing an article introduction, using direct quotes, and maintaining strong voice in an article. “The most important thing I learned,” said Payton Maher, ’13, “is how to incorporate a leading sentence to describe the general event and interest the reader.”
The aspiring writers put their knowledge into action after school on Friday, January 21, covering the Jesuit Basketball Developmental League Draft (JBDL) for The Roundup. Jesuit students Will Wood, ’13, Andrew Frank, ’13, Grant VanKirk, ’13, Payton Maher, ’13, and Michael Andro, ’12, covered the event. Writers quickly penned notes on the polarizing atmosphere of the draft and the buzz of owners during the pre-draft planning. Several aspiring journalists interviewed owners and players over background music from the NCAA Final Four. Writers quickly scribbled down first round draft picks, keeper selections, and trades in the fast-paced draft.
After the draft came to a close, the writers returned to Room 143 to finalize their reports and exchange notes. The excited journalists planned their articles with Dr. Degen and Mrs. Row, and each student committed to writing the best story hoping to win first prize: seeing their article published in The Roundup and winning a free lunch in the cafeteria. The workshop also served to recruit prospective writers into being a part of the school’s new online paper. “[Before this workshop] I didn’t actually have any extracurricular activities,” said an energetic Michael Andro, ’12. “I had a wonderful experience working for the Bill White campaign [for Texas governor], and after that ran out I was looking for something to do. Writing for the paper seems like a perfect fit for me. I can write in the most fantastic, literally fantastic, ways imaginable, and I am glad to bring my skills to the paper.” Payton Maher, who has previously published feature articles for the school newspaper, notes: “I am very excited to be a part of The Roundup, and I plan to write more articles for the paper.”
Whether or not you attended the writing workshop, The Roundup welcomes you as a writer or photographer. Articles covering club and class activities, notable students, freshman and sophomore sports, and much more are waiting to be written. See one of the moderators or editors for more information.
