Journalism class begins newpaper program

Aspiring journalists at Olney High began a second semester of covering news for The Olney Enterprise last week, with writers eligible for scholarships from the Perry Foundation if they complete their journalism class.

The journalism class internship was initiated last spring by Gina Keating, the editor of The Olney Enterprise, who contacted teacher Mindi Kimbro to see if the class might be willing to fill the weekly Cub Hub page of the newspaper.

“Most newsrooms around the United States are aging and we miss important stories by failing to ask the younger generation what is going on in their lives,” Keating explained.

Kimbro liked the idea. “I was excited,” she said. “This internship project allows the students to get their bylines in a professional publication as well as giving them experience with a style of writing that is helpful in society.”

Last spring, student writers published stories in the paper, covering sports, academic contests and extracurriculars.

A big benefit for those who complete the class is a scholarship opportunity through the Perry Foundation, the organization that owns The Olney Enterprise.

“One of the most exciting parts of the whole project is the scholarship program,” Kimbro said. “Beginning this year, students who complete the journalism class successfully, including competing in UIL events and participating in the Cub Hub internship throughout the year, will earn a $500 scholarship from the Perry Foundation. The plan at this time is to provide that scholarship opportunity for each year a student remains in the program.”