Vashon High School journalism students will host a luminary walk on Friday, Jan. 5, as a fundraiser for a spring trip to the National High School Journalism Convention in San Francisco.
With a mission statement that describes the enterprising students as looking to “shine a light on the truth,” the luminary walk was the brainchild of class member Sequoia Gregorich, who held a similar fundraiser nearly two years ago for a trip she made to the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona to study border politics first-hand.
Luminaries will be sold — cost is by donation — and those who purchase are encouraged to write a wish for the new year or a dedication on the bag (that holds the candle). The students will create luminary paths between McMurray Middle School and the high school, as well as from McMurray to Cemetery Road and then west to the Roasterie and Minglement for participants to enjoy. Baked goods, hot chocolate and cider will be available for purchase to enjoy along the candlelit stroll.
The annual convention, sponsored by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association, offers attending students from all media genres nearly 400 practical and professional learning sessions that include keynote speakers, discussion groups and hands-on workshops. The event website states that attendance of over 4,000 delegates has become the norm.
In a statement provided to The Beachcomber, VHS Journalism teacher and advisor for the Riptide — the high school’s newspaper — Steven Denlinger said:
Attending a national convention makes a difference on a high school staff. It allows students to meet with members of the professional learning committee, and hone Twenty-First Century skills. Seniors can make connections with admissions officers, recruiters, and experts in journalism. It allows students to test their knowledge and gain recognition, and improves student achievement. It also provides life-changing experiences for students with limited resources.
In all, about a dozen students will be traveling to the City by the Bay in April.
Among them, Kathleen Sassara, VHS senior and co-content editor for the Riptide.
“In a world where the facts are getting harder and harder to find, accurate and effective journalism is becoming increasingly important,” she said, in a statement the class shared with The Beachcomber. “Sharing pertinent and thought-provoking information through quality journalism is a key skill as we engage in this kind of environment. This conference will not only be an opportunity to learn important 21st-century journalism skills, it will also allow us to connect with professionals in the field and learn directly from those who know the job and it’s realities best.”
Gregorich, for her part, explained that her previous experience was a driving force behind this current endeavor.
“This fundraiser was one that I previously held when I was a freshman. I was raising money to travel to the Mexico-U.S. border to study border politics. That trip changed my life,” the VHS junior and Riptide law and ethics editor said, also in the class statement. “And was one of the major reasons I decided to join Riptide; to tell the stories which many don’t hear. To tell stories that need to be heard. To possibly change the way people view things. I want to make a difference, and I feel that journalism is the way I might be able to.”
The convention runs from Thursday, April 12, through Sunday, April 15. Donations may be made at the high school, and luminaries may be purchased the night of the event either in town during the First Friday art walk, or at the path’s entrance at the McMurray track and field. The walk will be illuminated from 5 to 11 p.m.
