HEART OF STEELE

The persistent rumor that newspapers are dying holds no sway with me.

For starters, people tell us every day how much they love this newspaper. They want to know what’s happening in their community, and they appreciate the work that goes into keeping Steele County informed.

But one of the things that goes largely unnoticed–at least among those residents who don’t have children at home–is the value of a local high school newspaper. I’m seeing that first-hand as I work with our summer intern, Jonny Clubb.

Jonny chose OHS Magnet as an activity during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. As he gained in knowledge and expertise, he went from reporting to editing, then coaching younger writers–a path that many journalists take somewhere along the way.

School newspapers get young people comfortable contacting and talking with interview subjects, which in my humble opinion can be the hardest part of the job.

Some interviews are easy; that first question sparks a free-flowing conversation. Others become almost painful in the lack of connection. Either way, the blank page awaits. You must write the story.

Jonny recalled the first time he interviewed principal Kory Kath, an assignment in his sophomore year. It was a big deal he said, but less so in the years to come. The same thing often happens in the “real” world. That first interview with a mayor or a state legislator–particularly on a controversial topic–can be mighty intimidating unless you already know how to approach authority figures.

Experiences like the ones our intern and other OHS Magnet staffers gain before entering college give them real-world experiences to hone their skills and deepen their love of news reporting.  

It does my heart good to know they will carry the standard for this business well into the future.