THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 26, 1995 TAG: 9505260727
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WRIGHT, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
TEENAGERS are taking over the world. Well, maybe just a section of the newspaper.
The Friday Teenology sections of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star are mostly written by local teenagers. The paper is now recruiting student reporters for next year.
The Virginian-Pilot's high school correspondent program allows teens to work with a professional staff and have articles published in a daily newspaper.
``A student interested in a journalism career could not ask for more than this program,'' said Holly Wester, who was a student correspondent during her senior year at Kellam High. ``It's very one-on-one. High school correspondents learn reporting skills, interviewing skills and the basics.''
Holly took full advantage of the program. Today, she is studying journalism on a full scholarship at Virginia Wesleyan College. A regular freelancer, she will intern this summer at The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the daily newspaper in the president's hometown.
High School Editor Lorraine M. Eaton is in charge of turning cub reporters into publishable writers. In past years, she accepted nominations. The demand has grown so that this year students must apply for correspondent positions.
``Every year about 20 correspondents fail to produce a single story,'' Eaton said. ``We want these spaces to go to students who are truly interested in exploring the field of journalism.''
Correspondents must write one story each semester on topics of their choosing. They turn in stories by established deadlines or are automatically ineligible for the two $500 scholarships the program awards each spring.
``In the real world reporters have to make their deadlines, it's virtually non-negotiable,'' Eaton said. ``If I let correspondents miss theirs, this wouldn't be a realistic journalism experience.''
Correspondents should also be self-motivated. Eaton is always available to help, but like in the real world, she won't do work for the reporter.
``Lorraine was intimidating at first, but over the last two years she has become less intimidating to me and has helped me to become a more successful writer,'' said Mike Culpepper, 17, a senior at Kellam High School who plans to study journalism at the University of Richmond.
Correspondents attend two training sessions during the year to focus story ideas and set deadlines. Other workshops strengthen writing skills. Correspondents learn plenty about journalism. They also get scholarship and college recommendations and make valuable contacts. Students do not, as a rule, get paid for their work. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Holly Wright is a senior at Cox High School.
Graphic
JOIN IN
High school students interested in applying for positions as
1995-96 high school correspondents should call 490-7212 for an
application. You must leave your name, address, and phone number.
Applications are due June 20.
by CNB