On February 27, students from Hunterdon Central, Del Val, Bernards, and Piscataway gathered at Del Val High School for the third annual Hunterdon County Student Media Convention, an event dedicated to empowering the next generation of student journalists. This special day not only celebrated Student Press Freedom Day but also provided a unique opportunity to explore the world of media, network with other developing journalists, and gain valuable insight from professionals in the field.
The convention kicked off with an inspiring speech from Tom McHale, president of the Garden State Scholastic Press Association (GSSPA). McHale shared his journey of helping pass New Jersey’s New Voices Law, a groundbreaking legislation that protects student journalists’ rights. His talk set the tone for the day, leaving students with a sense of the power they hold as emerging journalists.
The day wasn’t just about listening to professionals. It was a hands-on experience where students had the opportunity to attend a wide range of sessions on topics like social media strategies, broadcasting, and journalism writing. The workshops available played a key role in shaping the day’s experience, offering students a wide variety of sessions tailored to different aspects of media. These workshops provided attendees with hands-on learning opportunities in fields like social media, broadcasting, journalism writing, and layout design, giving them the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.
Overall, the Hunterdon County Student Media Convention represents much more than just a day of workshops and networking; it stands as a reminder of the importance of student press freedom in a time when press rights are increasingly under threat. Across the country, as they work to report on the issues that matter most to their communities, student journalists are facing countless challenges from censorship to funding cuts. This convention serves as an opportunity to educate and empower young journalists, ensuring they understand the importance of their work and the legal protections available to them, like the New Voices Law mentioned by McHale.
The convention takes on added significance in light of recent events, including increased attacks on press freedoms and efforts to silence student voices. This event reinforces the idea that student journalism is not just an extracurricular activity but a vital part of a democratic society. With discussions about censorship, funding limitations, and the struggles of student journalists gaining more attention, events like this convention are crucial for ensuring that the next generation of reporters is equipped to face these challenges head-on and continue advocating for the truth.
Molly Normart, a sophomore at Hunterdon Central and editor for The Lamp, reflected on the impact of the day: “It was a really great experience to get advice from different people in the field. I also loved getting to meet more people with an interest in journalism and media. I hope to return to next year’s event!” For Molly and many other students, the convention was more than just a learning experience; it was a chance to connect with others who share a passion for journalism. The opportunity to hear from professionals and peers alike made everyone feel part of a broader community of student journalists.
All in all, the Hunterdon County Student Media Convention was a valuable opportunity for students to learn, collaborate, and strengthen their skills as journalists. With insightful workshops and engaging discussions, it highlighted the importance of press freedom and prepared attendees to face future challenges in the media. Looking ahead, the convention will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of student journalists.
