With press badges, notepads and cameras in tow, students from Summit Academy Secondary School – Middletown can be found around and about town and school, conducting interviews and shooting photos for news stories. They are the editorial team members of Rock Bottom News, the school’s quarterly news magazine.
Students with Rock Bottom News, along with those on the yearbook staff, enjoy membership in the school’s new Quill and Scroll chapter. Quill and Scroll is an international high school journalism honor society that recognizes and encourages scholastic journalism achievement. Chapter adviser Danielle Moore, who teaches 9-12 ELA, established the school chapter this year.
“The creation of this chapter provides our students with meaningful opportunities to develop their communication skills, engage in authentic publishing experiences and gain recognition for their journalistic achievements at a national level. We are excited about the positive impact this program will have on student engagement and career readiness,” Moore says.
Students report on relevant topics including a Black History Month feature story on the Black Panther Party’s Free Breakfast for Children Program (1969-1980) and mental wellness topics such as healthy relationships.
“They are incredibly creative and thoughtful and curious about the world,” says Moore, describing how the students jump onboard with story ideas and role assignments, including production. “When I see them in action I get overwhelmed with feelings. Having the opportunity to create something to share with school and community members, the pride that comes over their faces is really something to see.”
Each issue contains stories students vote upon. They range from a “this month in history” topic to those on school activities as well as community stories, including a recent feature on an art show at
the local Triple Moon Company coffee shop.
The news magazine, along with a budding literary magazine, yearbook and writing competition opportunities “highlight our continued commitment to literacy, student voice and academic excellence,” Moore says.
On the literary front, junior Grace Doller, a nominee for the Junior Writers Monster Tales Writing Competition, received a Notable Entry honor for her story “The Smiling Man.” The nationally recognized creative writing contest encourages imaginative storytelling and strong literary craftsmanship, according to Moore.
“This honor reflects Grace’s creativity, dedication and strong writing abilities, and we are incredibly proud of her success,” Moore says, adding, “Both achievements highlight the exceptional talent of our students and the growing strength of our literacy and journalism programming.”