NHS Journalism 2025-26

I remember my first year taking journalism like it was yesterday. Instead of rows of desks and a teacher lecturing at the front of the room, we were free to work on our own at the computers around the room. I was a freshman, new to NHS, and new to the world of journalism.

I remember staring at my computer screen, eavesdropping on the seniors and Mr. Kenney, amazed by how they worked together. I was in awe of how they balanced the work and the fun, and how they were able to make something out of nothing. Right then, I knew I belonged here and that my freshman year was not going to be the last time I was in this room.

Journalism is the process of sharing information through a newspaper, magazine, news channel, or social media. In Newtown High School's case, we share the news through our monthly paper The Hawkeye. The Hawkeye has been around for decades, originally being known as Smoke Signals. The paper is produced by a very capable and hardworking team of students who chose to take the Journalism course. 

“I heard about it through my English class, and I thought I would like it,” shared Newtown High School sophomore Michael Risoli. “I like the freedom and creativity of the class, and just being able to write about what I want.” 

Students are free to choose whatever topics they would like, from sports to baby hippos. After taking this class for three years and embarking on my fourth, I’ve always loved how this class kept me updated and in the circle of what is going on in the world. 

NHS junior Lily Caston agreed. 

“I love the media section of this class. The availability and freedom to have opinions and be able to share them in the paper through my own voice is such a fun part of this class,” Caston said.

After the writing and editing process, students use a program called Adobe InDesign to lay out the design of the paper that month. The class has a lot of teamwork and communication, which in my opinion, is the best part. Students are free to work by themselves and there is rarely any lecturing by a teacher at the front of the room. 

“This class has become incredibly special to me over the last three years, and it has become sort of a safe haven. I feel very comfortable in this environment and I really do enjoy the writing process,” shared NHS senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief Cara Jackson.

Course advisor NHS English teacher Marc Kenney finds the student-driven environment to be the key to the success of the Journalism program and school newspaper.

“Honestly, it is the most gratifying part of my day. The way these students mesh together is the driving force behind our ability to produce a monthly newspaper that is relevant and current,” Kenney said. “The returners work so hard to help the new students come along. It is so much fun to watch.”

This class has taught me so much, and it has been a constant in my crazy high school life. I highly recommend taking this class, and growing as a writer and an individual. Interpersonal skills and writing are two extremely important skills for life after high school and college, and Journalism can help you with both.