There are individuals who chose to be in Journalism 1, but only a few that continue the class the following year. This year in Journalism 2, we have 10 students in total, and out of those 10, there are 5 seniors, to whom we sadly have to bid farewell.

Why Journalism?

When students do subject selection for the following year, they have a huge list of electives to choose from. However, some students get placed into an elective class randomly, if the course they wanted is full. The seniors in Journalism 2 have their own stories on how they got into the class.

Adriana Gutierrez said, “My first year I didn’t choose the class. I got a schedule change and next thing I know, I was writing for the newspaper.”

On the other hand, Amanda Echevarria said that she had been asking for the class since before 9^th grade, but never got in it. “In the summer I had to force Dr. Hueck to put me in the class,” she said.

Similarly, Mayisha Perez took it at her previous school and wanted to take it here because “I wanted to take a class I knew how to do.”

Experience

   The seniors in Journalism 2 have had positive experiences in the class. Ian Sanz said, “It’s fun because you get to interact with a lot of people, write whatever you want, and get rushed by journalism teacher Mr. DeNight.”

Lisbeth Chavarria said, “It’s such a free classroom because we don’t have any specific things we have to write about, so I get to write and explore whatever I want.”

Adriana Gutierrez said, “Having the opportunity to inform students and teachers about different types of topics makes you feel like you’re doing something for the benefit of others.”

Like every other class, you develop skills in Journalism. Besides improving her communication and editing skills, Mayisha Perez learned time management and how to layout a newspaper page using Adobe           InDesign. Lisbeth Chavarria learned how to simplify very large complex stories and translate experiences into stories.

Of all the stories produced during their 2 years in journalism, each student has a favorite. For Amanda Echevarria, it was “No I’m Not Blushing,” which talked about her experience with rosacea. “It was my first time publicly speaking about it,” she said.

Mayisha Perez remembers writing a student profile titled “All About Alfred” because it gave shine to a student with visual impairment who still beat all the odds.” [Editor’s note: Senior Alfred Cardenas joined the journalism staff during the 2018-2019 school year.]

Memories

Journalism class is fun and we all get along and work with each other very well, making many memories, and seniors have their favorite ones. For Ian Sanz, it was getting to cover the gun control protest after the Parkland Shooting. “I was able to run around the streets with a camera,” he said.

Mayisha Perez remembers writing a personality profile on a Miami High alumnus here who had his own website and Wikipedia page, where he published her story. “He also sent thank you letters to me and Mr. DeNight,” she said.

Those graduating seniors will miss different parts of the class. Ian Sanz will miss kids who aren’t graduating “because they are funny.” Amanda Echevarria will miss, “Publishing the newspaper, my peers, and having Mr. DeNight as a teacher.” Adriana Gutierrez will miss, “The bond that the staff this year has.”

Final Advice and Final Message

With all their experience, the seniors leave some advice to new journalists. Lisbeth Chavarria said, “Make sure to stay on top of deadlines or you’ll fall way behind.” Mayisha Perez said, “Write about what you like, and have fun with layout.” Adriana Gutierrez said, “Don’t be afraid to talk about any subject.”

And finally, before the seniors bid farewell, they have some final words of thanks for their dear teacher Dr. DeNight. Ian Sanz said, “For always supporting my crazy ideas.”

Mayisha Perez said, “For teaching me to explore the various writing opportunities in Miami High. I have become a better writer because of you, and I’m not as shy anymore.”

Adriana Gutierrez said, “For everything and never lose your teaching style and charismatic self. Your classroom is more than just a place to learn; it’s a place to grow as a person too.”

Lisbeth Chavarria said, “I’m extremely grateful for making me into a more devoted and honest journalist.”

Finally, Amanda Echevarria said, “Thank you for being one of the greatest teachers I have and will ever be taught by. I hope to one day be at least half as passionate about my work as you are about teaching. Also, one of my main reasons why I took Journalism is because I needed to have you as my teacher one last time before the end of my high school career.”

Journalism 2 Seniors Final Message to Their Peers:

“Take your writing seriously, for your work may be the only literature many kids will ever bother to read.” – Ian Sanz

“I hope that the students remain just as passionate and enthusiastic about their writing throughout their whole newspaper career.”- Lisbeth Chavarria

“It’s been an honor working with you guys. Don’t stop writing and never stop expressing yourself.” -Adriana Gutierrez

“Writing is a work of art and use it to express yourself. I am very proud and honored to have been part of the journalism team here in Miami High and I hope that those who choose it do as well.” -Mayisha Perez

“Christopher, advertise your stories more because you are such a great writer and others should read what you write. Carolina, please keep Annette sane and keep applying for those internships, because you’re bound to be my favorite columnist in a few years. Annette, you’re my favorite sophomore, you’re the kindest person, but please stop stressing; you are so intelligent. To the other journalists, keep the paper alive and make us proud.” – Amanda Echevarria