NEWS STORIES

If there is one type of article that always keeps me engaged while writing, it's news. One main aspect of news stories is the research that acts as the foundation of the article, ready to back up any statements and claims made. While not all news articles are investigative, I enjoy ones that are. When I have to dig for the story, finding information from a variety of sources and piecing it all together, the feeling when it's complete is beyond rewarding. Through these selected stories, you will find what best highlights my strengths as a journalist, diving into coverage both local and statewide.

*Photo taken & provided by Jacek Rovira

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Overview of the Reykdal-Olson Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Debate

After school, a fellow reporter and I took the ferry over to Edmonds to cover the 2024 Superintendent of Public Instruction debate. Once there we split things up, with one person recording and the other taking photos, switching every 30 minutes. Back at school, we spent quite a few days outlining how we wanted the article to look, ultimately deciding to split it into seven categories.

Just like our last team story, we had a few disagreements, however, we moved around them quickly and continued writing. While we weren't able to turn this article around in 48 hours, the extra time was spent making sure it was absolutely perfect, double checking to make sure we were accurately quoting both parties.

Being able to travel to an event and report on it as a journalist was one of the best experiences. While local elections aren't an everyday thing, I still try to find events that will get me out of the school and into the community.

Planting Deep Experiences Through Future On-Campus Garden

Listening in on a conversation I heard bits and pieces of information about a garden being made at our school, and after clarification from my adviser, I found it was true. When I talked with the teacher who worked with our principal to get it approved, I learned that they were able to buy all the materials they need because of a grant given to them by Sprouts. This opportunity was not just to grow plants, but to help connect the general and special education classes by creating an inclusive space for all.

If I wasn't graduating this year, I would definitely do a follow up story after everything is built and students are able to connect.

*Photo taken & provided by Bridget Hardiman

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Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814_edited.jpg

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New Bill Adds Sales Tax to Presentations, Posing Questions for Nonprofits

In late September, when our class was registering for the WJEA fall conference, my adviser informed us that anyone who paid after the first of October would have to account for the sales tax. Curious since this was something new, I decided to dig deeper, finding everything I could on this new bill that classifies live presentations as product subject to sales tax.

After about two weeks of research, one thing in particular stood out to me, and that is that specific business are exempt from paying the tax but nonprofits aren't. So, I started contacting senators via email and phone to get an answer. However, every email response was a dead end since many declined, and when I called, they either didn't pick up or planned to call later but never did.

With no answers from the sponsors of the bill, I pivoted to how advisers and WJEA members felt about the added tax on presentations targeted towards students. After interviewing the advisers, I found another bill was in the process of being approved that would get rid of sales tax on live presentations. So, I reached out to the sponsors of the bill and found myself at another dead end.

After writing this article, I understood the importance of perseverance, continuing forward even if it's the way I didn't intend to go.

Students Protest ICE, Marching a Mile Through Wind and Rain

This is by far the most eventful coverage I have ever done in my four years of journalism. What was supposed to be a walkout in the front of Central Kitsap High School evolved into a march down to the Kitsap Mall and back. At the same time, the weather was not in our favor, as the rain and wind made it difficult to take photos and videos.

With five other reporters and I running up and down the crowd of students, we had to adapt to the new circumstances. My primary focus during the protest was getting interviews from students, which turned out to be my favorite part.

The experience of doing quick, on the go interviews through the rain, wind, and shouts made me feel alive and in the moment. Each student I interviewed had a passion, a clear focus for why they were participating, and that amplified louder than anything around me.

The same day of the walkout we completed our article, where it made it into our print magazine and website. While team stories are usually something I dislike, this time it was helpful. With two sets of eyes verifying our work was both error free and unbiased, I feel confident about the quality of this piece.

*Photo taken & provided by Cougar Chronicle Reporter Justin Majette

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The award we received from School Newspapers Online for our excellence in writing.