Shining a light on a passion for journalism

As we enter a new year, I thought it would be a good time to reintroduce our high school journalism program for those who don't know what it's all about.

On Nov. 1, 2011, I made my first two school visits, talking with student journalists and teachers at Iowa City West and Iowa City High. Since that day, I have spent time in more than 120 classrooms from Decorah to Washington, Iowa, from Dubuque to Victor.

My message is simple - good journalism and media still matter and good writing will help you in any walk of life.

But the program is much more than editing and publishing students' work. I still think getting published is a thrill for these students, whether it's on www.IowaPrepSports.com or, for a few cases, in The Gazette. But this is more about mentoring, about helping interested students who want to pursue journalism in college and, hopefully, beyond.

It's also more than just the written word. Through this program, we offer students the opportunity to visit The Gazette and KCRG for job shadowing and, through Kirkwood's Workplace Learning Connection, internships. We also offer students the opportunity to do podcasts, and we showcase their video and photography skills.

Despite what some will tell you, good journalism is alive and well. News still is important. How that news is delivered is what has changed in our industry and, when talking with these students, I emphasize the multimedia facets of what we do today.

This year I have visited high schools in Mount Vernon, Tiffin, Manchester, Cedar Rapids, Stanwood, Iowa City, Dubuque, Riverside, Dyersville, Elkader, Winthrop, Anamosa and Delhi.

I want to visit more. It's a new year, so let's start fresh with some new schools and new students.

My 2015 calendar is wide open.

The best incentive for these students, in my opinion, is seeing their work published and shared through social media. But there are others. Every time students send a story, photo, video or creates a podcast, their names are entered in a drawing for a Kindle Fire HDX. We also are giving away three $100 iTune gift cards and, at the end of the year, will draw for two $500 scholarships to the college of their choice.

We've already had our first winner - Maquoketa Valley junior Shaylyn Trenkamp won the fall award - but have two more tablets to hand out after the winter and spring sports seasons.

There is plenty of time to get your students involved. Just contact me at the email address below to set up a time to visit. Or simply email me your stories.

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