In search of community, high school journalists

'Your Page” is back for another run and we're fast approaching another milestone.

Many may wonder what is 'Your Page” and what is its place in The Gazette sports section.

Quite simply, 'Your Page” is just that, it's your page to do with what you'd like - with a little editing help from me. Started on Dec. 18, 2011, the intention of this page - as well as an online presence - was to give our readers a platform to tell their stories, tell us what's important to them and share their writing and photography skills.

It started with a simple tag line - 'what's your story?” - and has grown into some wonderful tales from readers just like you.

We have a group of regulars who contribute to this page - fitness tips from Adam Rees, health tips from Cody Scharf and outdoor life from Rick Hollis - but we also have many who just like telling us and our readers about their passions.

One of our most frequent contributors - and a wonderful storyteller - is Daren Schumaker, half of Team 99 Counties. The last we heard from Schumaker - and running partner Dennis Lee - was after running through Appanoose County, their 88th crossing in a quest to raise money for the American Heart Association and awareness for living a healthy life. The two are up to 97 now after splashing 'our shoes in the Mississippi River” at the conclusion of their run across Scott County last weekend.

Hardin and Delaware are all that remain, but the two will make a 100th trip - taking a second trek across the county that raises the most money.

Schumaker will be getting us caught up in the coming weeks.

This also is a spot for our growing group of high school journalists to share their talents and tell their stories. Our high school journalism program started six years ago, encouraging students to write and helping them improve their skills. I have visited more than 40 high schools over the years, talking about the importance of media, how our role has changed in this social-media world and how to tell good stories. I have been to 16 schools this year - from Washington (Iowa) to Decorah - and have three more trips planned this month. We have more than 50 students who already have contributed stories and photos to our website and a few have appeared in the paper, including today's wonderful tale by Decorah senior Courtney Nordheim about friendships fostered through sports.

I'm hoping to add to both lists.

So, what's your story?

l Comments: (319) 368-8696; jr.ogden@thegazette.com