Highlander has new advisor for first time in 31 years

New Highlander advisor Mr. Graham has some reading to do.

Brian Graham has taken the position of Highlander advisor at David Douglas High School this school year after the retirement of previous Highlander advisor Steven Rivas, who had been the advisor for 31 years.

The Highlander is now located at room 152 in the English hallway, and has an open door for anyone who has concerns or issues to voice to the Highlander. Letters to the editor can be sent to brian_graham@ddsd40.org. 

Graham was recommended to his position by the previous Highlander advisor Steven Rivas. Rivas was familiar with Brian Graham as they taught English in adjacent classrooms. Brian Graham received his English degree and teaching license at Portland State University and has taught English at David Douglas High School for 10 years. Graham says he is ‘Really excited to be the advisor for the Newspaper and teaching the Journalism class this year.”. 

Graham voiced his confidence in the Senior members of the Highlander, saying “The newspaper staff this year is really awesome.” The Highlander is planning to put out a quality newspaper, like always. Highlander staff members are continuing to work through this period of change with second year staff member Long Le saying that it’s “Business as usual for a newspaper even under this new management,” further saying that he is “very excited to see what Mr. Graham can do.” 

Graham’s only previous experience in journalism comes from his role as the “editor” for his daughter's pandemic era google docs newspaper, the Harrison Street News. When asked about his approach to journalism, Graham said, “I like it when my students are working independently, on something authentic.” 

The Highlander has already started off its new year with reporters actively interviewing students and staff members of David Douglas High School and writing the year's initial news stories. Second year staff member Emilia Gutu  said “I am excited because even though we are going to have some challenges it will be fun to pull it all together.” The Highlander staff  is currently creating the fall edition for 2023 which will debut in late October. 

While the Highlander's staff is strong this year, next year's Highlander staff "may be a skeleton crew," according to Graham, because of so many Seniors graduating. Graham, concerned that fewer students are taking journalism and that this may be reflective of the decline of journalism in society, feels that there should be more communication between students and the Highlander. He said “In the future I hope to provide more opportunities for interaction,” and that opportunities for interaction might be found online.

The Highlander staff is optimistic for the 2023-2024 school year. Highlander advisor Graham said “Being around all of these students makes me feel like I have a finger on the pulse of this city." The Highlander staff plans to focus on the diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and stories held by David Douglas High School students., Graham said that “At David Douglas the variety of experiences students have is stunning."