News Literacy
2016 Election Season
The media plays a central and defining role in politics. Covering the 2016 election posed a unique challenge in a polarized America. There are an abundance of criticisms of media that stem from journalists allowing bias to influence their coverage. That is why I focused on neutrality, authenticity, and balance to ensure the credibility of our publication. I also actively remained informed about current events and used reliable sources to fact-check information in my stories.
For our October 2016 issue, I dedicated my in-depth page to elections' coverage. I strived to present differing perspectives from students. I pursued students who attended campaign rallies for both major party presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. I paid extra attention to creating a fair line of questioning, keeping my responses neutral, and staying professional throughout the interview and writing process.
For the "Team Trump" story, I interviewed a politically apathetic photographer and a passionate Trump support, both of who attended the local Trump Rally. The story gave insight to the ideological differences between these people. Read Team Trump → I interviewed a strong Clinton advocate at a rally for the "Holla' For Hillary" story in order to understand and present her views about the presidential election. Read Holla' for Hillary → |
Polling
Polls play an important role in democracy, and by association, political media. For the election coverage, I conducted a mini-election through a digital form of 200 students (10% of the school). At first, students were reserved in revealing their political opinions, which is why an anonymous digital poll was an effective way to get students’ true response. I was certain to ask a diverse sample of students from different grades with different backgrounds in order to avoid sampling bias. The results of the school poll mirrored the results of the true election in our city.
Polls play an important role in democracy, and by association, political media. For the election coverage, I conducted a mini-election through a digital form of 200 students (10% of the school). At first, students were reserved in revealing their political opinions, which is why an anonymous digital poll was an effective way to get students’ true response. I was certain to ask a diverse sample of students from different grades with different backgrounds in order to avoid sampling bias. The results of the school poll mirrored the results of the true election in our city.
School Construction
Construction Craze
2015
2015
In the summer of 2015, my school began a year long construction project. As we returned to school for orientation, half the building was closed off, hallways were missing, and no one had any idea what the future held. That is why I conducted a full investigation.
I pursued the Principal to seek out information about the process and outlook of the construction project. After obtaining a loose timeline (infographic on bottom right), I was directed to the head supervisor of the construction company, Andy Kavan. I conducted an interview with Kavan that began with asking questions about the background of the project. After talking for a while, Kavan revealed some of the unknown additions that were going to be added to the building (infographic on top right, "Neat New Nuances") and gave permission to publish. I also used his quotes to write a news story as part of the coverage. Read Breaking the Barriers → After talking to Kavan, I learned that an engineering student from Millard North High School was also part of the construction project in the summer. Recognizing that this information connected the coverage to the student body, I immediately pursued Brandon Downey. I talked to Downey about his time on the site, discovering that this project was a key experience in determining the outcome of his future. I also talked to some of the construction workers about Downey's contribution on the project and wrote the following story as a human interest feature. Read Down and Dirty → |
Construction Updates
2016
2016
In order to finish full coverage on the construction, we revisited the topic at the start of the 2016-2017 school year. By using a similar color pallet and following up with ideas that we covered a year prior, the coverage came around full circle. Specifically, I focused on revisiting the new additions of the school (photos on the left) and explaining the unknown dedication of the library to Dr. Ike Pane (story on the right). I also reached out to the school administration to gather information to create a timeline about all the constructions of the building since its opening in 1978. This infographic brought the whole concept of school renovations to a full circle.
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