Dear editors, students, teachers, and parents,
For hundreds of years, journalism has been at the center of maintaining credibility and accountability of our government, institutions, and moving information. Good journalism keeps power in check and brings communities into discussions of public policy and social events, helping define the society’s status quo, whether locally, nationally, or internationally.
Historically, student journalism has played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influencing social change. In the 1960s and 1970s, student newspapers were at the forefront of the civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam War protests, and the fight for free speech on college campuses. These young journalists brought attention to issues that mainstream media often overlooked or underreported, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and driving societal transformation.
However, it can be difficult to understand the importance of student journalism when, in comparison to professional news organizations, an audience is limited and concentrated. Students passionate about informative writing or contemporary issues in our communities often underestimate student journalism as an outlet for communication. I know this because at one point, I did too.
I joined Prospect freshman year, initially unsure of the impact that our writing and work had on the community. While writing on issues ranging from sports, to politics, to social justice and equality in America, I wondered who was reading. Why does it matter to write about national politics to our community when families subscribe and read content from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other prestigious institutions of journalism?
My perspective began to shift as I delved deeper into the realm of student journalism in Prospect, working with students who had passions in specific issues and conversations, and meeting members of our greater community.
During my second year in Prospect, I visited a Korean war veteran for an extensive Veterans Day interview, hearing his thoughts about the future of our country, the younger generation, and the hope that stands ahead of us. I left that interview learning about the importance of stories, memories, and real people with diverse experiences and stories. Excitement to publish his story gave me purpose to write on. It was a story that no major news outlet would ever cover, yet it could inspire so many to be better citizens.
Tackling major stories and voicing young opinions on global situations became relevant even more in late 2023 following the October 7th attack on Israel and its military response in Gaza. Prospect became the school’s resource for voicing various opinions and angles on the issue. This included our editorial, “Highlighting recent events in the Middle East,” which defined how student journalism should work across the boundaries of personal opinion: as a staff, recognizing the importance of complexity and empathy in this global situation, rather than maintaining a singular and close-minded view.
“[T]oday, The FLHS Prospect’s Editorial Staff unites under a message of peace and tolerance, and is willing to express our opinions and values in light of recent events because, in the words of the pioneering reporter John Chancellor, ‘the function of good journalism is to take information and add value to it.… You don’t have to have a connection to people in Israel or Gaza to be hurt by the events. You just need to be human. Israel being on the other side of the world has diminished the impact of such tragedy and violence on people in our community. However, it is imperative that in times of great sorrow and nuance, people stay informed, develop their opinion, and know to care for their neighbors and friends who could be affected.”
This is why student journalism is imperative. It provides a unique platform for emerging voices to explore and address the issues that matter to their communities, bridging the gap between global events and local understanding. Through personal stories and diverse perspectives, student journalists not only inform but also inspire engagement and empathy, fostering a well-informed and compassionate society. Supporting and valuing their work ensures that vital conversations remain vibrant and inclusive, shaping a better future for all.
We are provided a unique opportunity to highlight and investigate concerns specific to the community, such as school policies, local government actions, and neighborhood events, but also share messages and voices of those right here with us in Fairfield and the FLHS community. It connects communities, promoting transparency and accountability at a grassroots level. Through this lens, I believe anyone can come to appreciate that our work at Prospect was not just about reporting news visible on our phones and televisions, but about contributing to an ongoing tradition of bringing out good-willed dialogue and learning within our community.
To all our readers, keep reading, listening to student voices and perspectives. And to our writers, keep writing and sharing our community’s stories. Write on, Prospect.
