The bell rings at Bayshore High School late Tuesday morning indicating a class change. Students, grades 9 through 12, are flowing into Jean Faulk's class and after saying hello they quickly get to work. They're on deadline and this is the Paw Print newsroom.
A journalism class is now thriving thanks to help from a former newspaper journalist who found a new passion in education. When Mrs. Faulk is not teaching World History, she's using what she learned working years in a bustling newsroom to inspire her students to learn, dream and achieve.
The last known issue of Paw Print was in 2019 but the student newspaper has been in circulation for decades. A tall filing cabinet holds a glimpse of the past with previous editions. A headline from a 1992 issue reads, "Budget cuts result in a six period day next year." Now a crisp, current version is available with a new logo, important school news and quality photos.
These young reporters are working hard to find their voice and improve their writing skills. Sports reporter Kaylee was listening to an interview recording on her cell phone as she quickly wrote down notes. In the first issue, her five columns spanned an entire half-page highlighting everything from Bruins' football to volleyball to swimming.
Mrs. Faulk gave one young woman her press pass, and got a smile in return. The pass gives her the opportunity to travel the school hallways in search of her next story. Another student, who is already proficient in Photoshop, was designing the front page of the next issue using Adobe software, InDesign. She's learning to arrange articles for the next issue about air pollution, Elvis and more sports highlights.
The journalism class also participates in the delivery of the Paw Print, more than 1,000 copies, which is given to all staff members and students at Bayshore High School.
As Tuesday's class comes to an end, the cub reporters' last assignment includes proudly holding up their work for a class photo. Some were flashing big smiles, some were very shy, but one thing is for sure... this group is going places.
