A Student Newspaper Editor Reflects on Dan Eldon
by Chris Kirkham
The ideals of journalism in this world
of scandal, mendacity and slander are seen by many to be no ideals
at all. For many, the desire to get to the bottom of a story, whether
it is true or not, can overshadow the sense of moral purpose that
journalism is supposed to embrace. I, however, refuse to let the stigma
placed on journalism affect or alter my goals and dreams. When I see
and hear about Daniel Pearl, Dan Eldon, and countless others who have
sacrificed their time and energy to exposing some aspect of our global
society that would otherwise go unnoticed, I know that the fight is
not a lost cause, and that the ideals of journalism go far beyond
what public opinion might think them to be.
Throughout my tenure on the Clear Creek
HiLife staff, we have had the chance to cover a number of stories
that I feel have in some way made a difference. Even if they touch
just one person or just make someone consider a different viewpoint,
I feel that we have done our job. The past two years I have had the
pleasure of serving as editor-in-chief of the newspaper, and in doing
so have been able to cover a number of stories and topics aimed at
provoking thought in our readers.
One of my favorite privileges as being
editor-in-chief is having the opportunity to write an editorial for
each issue of the paper. An editorial, if done right, can be a unique
way of voicing an opinion on controversial topics and giving readers
the opportunity to look at all sides of an issue. Some of the editorial
topics I have chosen are: young voter apathy in the 2000 election,
cheating and the long-term effects of it, affirmative action, the
merits of the DARE program, the top 10% plan in Texas Public Universities,
America's global obligation following the September 11 attacks, and
business ethics and the Enron catastrophe. In writing these pieces,
my goal was not to attack or attempt to teach some strong moral lesson,
but rather to just promote thinking and consideration in our readers.
Aside from the editorials, our newspaper
has covered a number of issues outside of the normal humdrum of everyday
life. Last year, we had the opportunity to talk with Cathy Kuhlmeier
Cowan, who was the subject of the 1988 Supreme Court case Hazelwood
School District v. Kuhlmeier. The case centered on censorship of high
school publications, and the ruling was that prior review was necessary
for any publication sponsored by a school. The story was so fitting
for any journalist or student who simply wants to hear their voice
heard. The unique perspective she offered to our newspaper is one
that I will always remember and cherish.
This past school year, world events
have been such an integral part of the lives of Americans that we
felt it was necessary to cover these events in the way we saw fit.
Even before the events of September 11, we saw the need to reach out
more and spur on some kind of awareness of the importance world events
have on each of our lives. After September 11, when our nation was
thrust into the global spotlight, we were not sure of the best way
to cover the tragedy. What we ultimately decided to do was to take
first-hand accounts of relatives, friends, and former students of
our school who witnessed or were greatly affected by the events. We
hoped to generate a more personal perspective on the tragedy, again,
to incite our readers to think more and consider what is at hand.
For our next issue, we did a front-page
feature on the veterans of our community in honor of National Veterans
Awareness Week. Just talking with these people and realizing the sacrifices
they made so that we can enjoy the quality of life that we have today
really changed my outlook and made me consider my priorities.
Our last issue, however, was possibly
the most difficult and also the most meaningful of any story that
we have covered. One day a girl wandered into our classroom because
one of her teachers suggested that she talk to us. This girl had just
recently arrived from Kosovo, where she had witnessed the ravages
and injustices of the civil war in Yugoslavia. After talking with
her, our staff found out that there were actually many like her in
our school, who just fade into the background because of not being
able to deal with the trite issues of popularity that dominate high
school life. Many of these students had recently arrived from Latin
American countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina, and
did not feel that they belonged or were being accepted at our school.
Therefore, without using any of their names, we did a front-page feature
on the issues that they must cope with, both in and out of school.
I truly feel that with this story we really did promote thoughtful
consideration among our student body.
In covering stories such as these,
it seems truly as if the art of journalism is one that has not been
consumed by dishonesty and graft. When one sees the effect that these
stories can have, one forgets the negative public opinion towards
the media. Possibly in the future, then, the stories that really do
make a difference will once again return to the forefront, and the
days of media scandals will be forgotten. Nevertheless, those ideals
that guide journalism can never truly be tainted, and will hopefully
continue to guide me through life.
