East Central College Hosts Inaugural Journalism Summit

East Central College Hosts Inaugural Journalism Summit

October 5, 2016 |

On Sat., Sept. 24, East Central College and Washington High School (WHS) journalism departments partnered with the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) and SchoolJournalism.org to host their inaugural ECC Journalism Summit.

ECC English and Journalism instructor Leigh Kolb and WHS Blue Jay Journal TV adviser Michelle Turner invited Franklin County students to learn about journalism, mass media and ECC’s partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism.

“We love showing students how valuable and diverse the field of journalism is and how many opportunities are available for students to develop their skills at East Central College,” Kolb said, “especially with our transfer agreement with the University of Missouri’s Missouri School of Journalism.”

Various professionals spoke at the event to bring real-world journalism to the classroom. Students learned about photography, compelling storytelling, tech trends, media literacy and more. Guest-speakers included E-Missourian Photojournalist Jeanne Miller Wood, St. Clair English Instructor Kara Bell and 93.7 The Bull Radio Host Hemmy.

Turner is eager to see how students who attended will apply journalism skills in the classroom. “We want the students who attended to take what they learned back to their respective schools and improve their journalism programs,” Turner said. “Journalism has great power to enrich lives and inform our communities. In my 21 years of teaching the subject, I have seen students grow on many levels by being a part of scholastic journalism.”

MIPA President Christina Geabhart hopes students the Summit will inspire others to become involved in local journalism outlets in their school or community. “One of MIPA’s goals this year was to increase outreach throughout the state. This fall event helped students and teachers find resources and skills to help them during the school year,” Geabhart said.