DATE: Friday, May 16, 1997                  TAG: 9705160036

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: SAREIT HESS

                                            LENGTH:   43 lines

TEEN CORRESPONDENTS GET ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

PRINT MEDIA are constantly changing and evolving, kind of like the correspondents who write for Teenology, Fridays in the Daily Break.

In fact, Teenology is looking for a new group of high school writers.

If you're curious about what high school correspondents do, listen up.

Joining the high school correspondent program was one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a correspondent I got to work with professional reporters and editors. I wrote about issues that matter, not only to me, but to others in Hampton Roads. My stories appeared in the daily newspaper.

I became a correspondent in my freshman year. I knew then that I wanted to be a journalist. I like to write, and I like the journalistic writing style. It's easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

The correspondent program has given me valuable tools that will help me succeed in college and upon entering the profession.

Others who have participated in the correspondent program have gone on to study journalism at the college level. Michelle Mizal, a former correspondent, will work as an intern at the Pilot this summer. Holly Wester, another former correspondent, graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College in May. She is a regular freelancer for the Pilot and has interned for other newspapers.

The correspondent program is open to all high school students, but enthusiasm and interest are important.

If you plan to apply, you should be interested in media and in improving your talents as a writer and reporter.

Correspondents are asked to attend two training sessions during the school year. At the workshops, teen reporters focus their story ideas and set deadlines. You will write at least one story a semester. Reporters who meet their story deadlines are eligible for two $500 scholarships the program awards each spring.

If you're interested in becoming a correspondent, call Michele Vernon-Chesley, youth editor, at 490-7204 or write to: Teenology, 4565 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, Va. 23462. MEMO: Sareit Hess is a senior at Kempsville High School in Virginia

Beach.Sareit Hess is a senior at Kempsville High School in Virginia

Beach.

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