Georgia student journalists head to UGA for annual GSPA fall conference
GSPA attendees receive a complimentary pen, notepad and schedule. All items came in handy for staff members during the 50 minute presentations.
November 3, 2015
Thursday, October 29 began as a normal day for most high school students in Georgia. However, numerous newspaper staff members from across the state ventured to Athens for the 2015 Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) Fall Conference. Members of The Chant journeyed 70 miles outside of Atlanta in order to enhance their production quality through instruction from professional journalists.
Multiple instructors spoke to aspiring journalism majors at the University of Georgia campus in the Tate conference rooms. Jon Reese, advisor of Carpe Diem at Decatur High School, taught seminars at the conference for students. When asked about how it feels to host seminars at GSPA this year, Reese said, “It gives me energy. Everybody is so open.” Reese expressed enthusiasm about how the students listened and gave their full attention. Reese also explained what he wishes reporters will take from his lecture: “More sophisticated work than they thought they could.”
Sarah Turner, a sophomore at King’s Academy, attended Reese’s “Beyond Interview Basics” seminar. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot. Especially with interviewing,” Turner said. Reese’s tips enabled Turner to broaden her interviewing techniques. “I hope it will help me with a confidence booster as I’m new to The Verve staff.” Turner’s adviser Ashley Smith said, “I am happy with the 100% participation of students.”
Sophomore at Paideia School, Jalen Essick, showed excitement for being in Athens around professional journalists. During the event, he indicated his enthusiasm, saying “The event is really successful. There are a lot of good speakers here and I’ve learned a lot.” Essick hopes that all of the seminars he attended will help him find his creative voice in writing.
Although The Chant staff traveled mostly together to the university campus, they split up while at the conference in order to benefit their own skills. Various reporters proceeded to simpler seminars that helped with the basics whereas editors went to more advanced seminars.
Senior Adam Kovel gathers with the Chant staff to discuss his findings at the features writing seminar. Each staff member contributed to the discussion by sharing writing tips from their most recent lecture.
During lunch break, all members of The Chant met up at a local restaurant Clocked!. Here, they discussed all they had learned at their seminars and took advice into mind. After eating, they headed back to Tate and finished their last seminar before heading off back to Acworth. Once back into the session, a black board outside the conference revealed The Chant as winner of “Best News” for the first issue competition held each year the GSPA conference.
Chant staff members head to downtown Athens hoping to find an empty table. After grabbing burgers and fries at local restaurant, Clocked!, the group partakes in yet another brainstorming session.
The 2015 GSPA Fall Conference allowed students and advisers to learn new information, from the experienced editors to the new reporters on staff. Multiple students left the conference excited to write their next article using new techniques. Freshman at Decatur High School Kheyal Roy-Meighoo said, “It’s been a valuable learning experience. I can’t wait until the next one.”
