Local kids learn about journalism at The Express

The class is led by Managing Editor Laura Jameson who chose to tweak these classes to cover more aspects of journalism and its many forms.

The first three days focused on print journalism and writing. On day one, students learned the importance of local journalism and how to develop questions for interviews. Day two saw the students sit down with Express employees to ask these questions and develop articles.

Due to how quickly the students picked up on these skills, day three was spent touring The Express and learning about what each department and its employees does.

Day four shifted focus to the digital aspect of journalism — particularly The Express Compressed podcast.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Journalism class students, front row from left, Coen Crust, Keanan Crust and Giuliana “GiGi” Butia. They’re pictured with Express employees they interviewed. They are, back row from left, Classifieds Employee Lisa Schropp, Reporter Breanna Hanley and Assistant Advertising Manager Megan Muthler.

Its producer, Advertising Representative Michaela Fye, along with co-host, Assistant Advertising Manager Megan Muthler, spoke to the students about the format of the podcast. Fye reviewed her process in drafting a script and how she records and edits the podcast each week.

Students also had the opportunity to draft a script and record a segment which will be featured on The Express Compressed in its episode July 8.

The final day changed focus once more to focus on photography.

Reporter Hunter Smith, who graduated from Penn State University with a degree in photojournalism, sat down with the students to talk about the various aspects of photography and the impact photos can make on journalism.

Jameson said she was excited to teach this year’s class, particularly with the changes made.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Journalism class students listen as Express General Manager Jordan McCloskey talks about his role at the newspaper.

“Last year’s class was a first for me and was great, but I wanted to help showcase more to the students,” she said. “Journalism is more than just print and writing and, though that aspect is near and dear to my heart, I want to make sure kids know there are many facets to journalism.”

She went on to commend all three participants for their participation.

“This was another great year. Though the class size was small, these kids have big hearts and were full of curiosity about writing, journalism and the process behind it,” she said. “It’s exciting to know there are kids who may just become the next generation of reporters to tell others stories.”

For those who may be interested in taking the course later this summer, you can learn more by contacting Muthler at [email protected].

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LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Advertising Representative Michaela Fye, who produces The Express Compressed, explains to journalism class students how she records and edits the weekly podcast.

Learning about Lisa Schropp

By COEN CRUST

Special to The Express

I talked to Lisa Schropp. She works in classifieds at The Express. That includes yard sales and pets.

She went to school for journalism and she started at The Express in March, 19 years ago.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Express reporter Hunter Smith teaches Journalism Class students about cameras during the final lesson of the week.

Her favorite food is tacos and her favorite color is purple.

She likes to read books.

She has a Chihuahua named Vallie.

Her favorite subject in school was journalism. She did not like science.

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LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Journalism class students learn about Bonny Merrifield’s role at The Express.

What does Bre Hanley do

By KEANAN CRUST

Special to The Express

Bre Hanley is a reporter at The Express. She started working at The Express three years ago.

She works upstairs, too.

Bre likes writing and working at The Express.

She has a pet dog and a pet hamster.

She likes to swim and likes pizza.

Her favorite game is Minecraft.

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Who is Megan Muthler

By GIULIANA ‘GIGI’ BUTIA

Special to The Express

Megan Muthler is the assistant advertising manager at The Express. She started in October 2017 and she works on the first floor in the front office.

Megan loves to help businesses and loves to talk to the owners of them.

She also had a job before she came to The Express.

It was fun talking to Megan Muthler.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS
Students in The Express’s Journalism Class interview employees during day two of classes.