No News Is Not Good News, So KHS Has Its Newspaper Back

In an age when computers, cell phones and blackberries have become so popular, Kathleen is reviving something old - a newspaper.

"It is a huge undertaking by a small staff. The task is daunting," said journalism adviser Laura Williamson. "When the students read what they want to on the Internet or actively participate in MySpace, convincing them they need to write and then publish it on paper takes a lot of persuading."

Staff members include co-editors James Bennett, Jr., a senior, and juniors Amanda Rowell, Greg Powell and Shalonda Lewis.

"I really trust my original staff members to show the incoming students the ropes," said Williamson. "I especially like knowing that freshmen are interested in the writing process."

The newbies, as Williamson refers to them, are reporters freshmen Tiffany Bennett, Marissa Cooper, Samantha Greenwood, Jennifer Pate, Danisha Smith and Jasmine Woods.

"They are proud to see their names in print and should be. It takes a lot for a student to put their ideas out there for the entire world to judge," said Williamson.

"I've always been a good writer," says co-editor James Bennett. "And it's great to have a voice that the whole school can hear."

Williamson began at Kathleen three years ago as the yearbook adviser and English teacher. Her vision from day one was to help the students have a voice.

"One of the first questions I asked was 'where is the newspaper?' " said Williamson. "I was a reporter for my high school newspaper and really enjoyed writing, interviewing and knowing what was happening on the campus. As a reporter you must know what is happening in order to report on it."

Junior class President Yajaira Avina enjoys reading the school newspaper. "I remember writing for Celebrate Schools when I was on the staff last year," said Avina. "It's nice to see that the community notices us and we have a school paper with our name on it."

The original newspaper, The Inferno, has gone through a name change to The Devils' Advocate when Williamson and the new staff began the revival in 2006. "We are the Red Devils so the name The Devils' Advocate just seemed to fit," said Williamson.

The students and teachers of our school are proud to have a forum for them to express themselves or read about ideas and occurrences they find important in the school and community.

"The newspaper allows me to keep up with what is going on at school," said junior Shalonda Lewis. "It's a great way for the students to share their opinions with each other."

"The newspaper is more professional and has more information now then it did before," says guidence counselor, Mr. Joe Izzo. "It's a good thing we have a newspaper."

English Department chair and 20-year Kathleen teacher Sharon Burress said, "It's the best darn high school newspaper I've seen. The layout, coverage and expertise are phenomenal."

Prior to an age of computers and InDesign programming, the previous means to publish a newspaper were rubber cement and a typewriter. Although it was time consuming, it also served its purpose. Today the newspaper staff has the ability to publish a paper with more detail, layout skills, crisp pictures and a distinct presentation. It is a lot of work, but the reward is huge.

"In addition to great English grammar skills the reporters must also follow the rules of sound scholastic journalism, ethical reporting and libel laws," said Williamson. "It's a skill that will last a lifetime and could potentially turn into a college scholarship and career."