Lincoln Public Schools understands the importance of quality journalism to help inform our community and shine a light on the people, programs and events that make our school district unique.

Student News Desk is our ongoing effort to promote excellence in journalism and public education by highlighting student journalists from our high school publications classes. This month’s spotlight is on Southwest junior Kayleigh, who is editor of “The Hawk” school newspaper. Congratulations, Kayleigh!

Southwest High School junior Kayleigh is writing a successful life storyline one inspiring word at a time.

Kayleigh is using her passion for journalism to become a trusted classroom leader and mentor. She has compiled an extensive writing and photography portfolio in her mass media courses, and she serves as editor-in-chief of Southwest’s newspaper this year. She also spent this past summer deepening her reservoir of multimedia skills in Washington, D.C.

Kayleigh said she enjoys journalism because it has given her chances to connect with people across campus. She has written stories about subjects such as volleyball, marching band, Homecoming and blood donation drives. She has also photographed Silver Hawks participating in show choir, basketball and Coffee with Counselors activities.

“I really enjoy writing, but I also really enjoy telling other people’s stories,” Kayleigh said. “I like highlighting people.”

Southwest journalism and English teacher Delani Young said it has been fun watching Kayleigh grow as a writer, photographer and leader. She said Kayleigh’s enthusiastic approach to her craft has helped her blossom in her newspaper tasks.

“I enjoy working with Kayleigh in class because she is one of the most motivated students I have interacted with so far,” Young said. “She has goals and aspirations which inspire me to do everything in my power to support her achieving those goals. Her positivity spreads to the rest of the room, and her ability to coach the staff in a kind and respectful way has made the entire room more successful.”

Kayleigh began filing stories at The Hawk during her first year of high school. She admired former editor-in-chief Lillian Bittle’s work, and she began to believe she could one day fill the same role.

“Ever since then, I’ve always aspired to be the editor-in-chief of the newspaper,” Kayleigh said. “It feels really good to have finally achieved that goal of mine.”

Young said Kayleigh has already made a significant impact in her position. She has become a role model for her fellow writers and photographers with her energetic and determined personality.

“Kayleigh is such a positive and knowledgeable student, which really lends itself well to being a strong newsroom leader,” Young said. “She is always happy to help out the new additions to the classroom, and she has encouraged them to take risks. Kayleigh has also made an effort to educate herself outside of the classroom, and she has happily brought that knowledge to her staff.”

Kayleigh took full advantage of one of those extra learning opportunities in July. She joined 300 other students from across the United States at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) at George Mason University. WJMC leaders selected her after reviewing a writing example from Southwest. They also considered her strong academic credentials, leadership potential and interest in journalism.

The high schoolers toured a major news website and magazine, interviewed members of Congress, and listened to speeches from prominent journalists, editors and communication managers. They also visited Smithsonian Institution museums, participated in leadership development activities and expanded their smartphone directories.

“Because of that experience, I have friends all the way from Maryland to Hawaii, which is amazing,” Kayleigh said. “I met so many people out there that I don’t think I would ever have met if I didn’t go. It was definitely one of the best opportunities of my entire life.”

Kayleigh said her East Coast trip also solidified her desire to become a professional journalist. She was especially heartened after listening to a speech from Anna Layden, who is a freelance photojournalist based in Washington, D.C. Layden is a member of multiple professional organizations and regularly contributes her work to major news outlets and wire services.

“I feel like the trip really strengthened my love for journalism, because I do want to pursue this as a career,” Kayleigh said. “I really want this as my future.”

Kayleigh returned from Washington, D.C., eager to pass along her WJMC education. She has encouraged staff members to pitch story ideas, conduct more interviews and become even more involved in the Southwest community.

“I think everybody’s been responding really well to it,” Kayleigh said. “I think people enjoy the fact that it feels more real. Of course, we keep it very fun in there. It’s a very light environment and everything, but there’s a little more of a real-world journalism aspect to it too.”

Kayleigh has already made key contributions to The Hawk’s content this fall. She has taken photos at dress rehearsals of Southwest’s fall play, written a story about the school’s new Mariachi Band Club and introduced classmates to many teachers, coaches and students. She is also laying the groundwork for her goal of publishing one magazine each semester instead of the normal one edition each year.

Kayleigh said she would like to continue writing positive paragraphs with her friends during her final two years at Southwest.

“I love the job and I love everyone I work with in the newsroom,” Kayleigh said. “I just love it all. It’s great.”

Discover how staff members at The Hawk are helping the Southwest community stay informed about campus events.

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