From Print to Pixels
Rediscovering the Waldron Street Journal of 2004
Scarlett Jorgensen, Staff Writer & Meredith Gayanilo, Editor-in-Chief
October 29, 2024
Embedded Files
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
The information presented below is the result of independent journalistic work conducted by students. It does not represent the official views, policies, or endorsements of the school district.
Page 2 of the October 29, 2004 edition of the Waldron Street Journal depicting each staff member's role in the issue.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS—On October 29, 2004, Flour Bluff High School students published an issue of the Waldron Street Journal. Now, two decades later, the publication continues to serve as a voice for the student body. Through changes in format and focus, the Waldron Street Journal remains a vital source of news, expression, and connection for Flour Bluff students.
The October 2004 issue covered topics of national and local relevance, including the highly anticipated presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry. Their focus on both school and community issues encouraged students to think critically about events shaping their lives and inspired them to explore stories beyond the classroom.
Nicholas Sheffield, who served as the editor-in-chief at the time, recalled the importance of the paper’s role in stimulating ideas. “Our goal was to give students a voice on important issues, both on campus and in the world around them,” Sheffield said.
Today, the Waldron Street Journal has embraced the way of digital media, allowing students to instantly reach a wider audience. While it may not be on paper anymore, new sections like “Humans of the Hive” and “Wall of Hope” highlight personal stories and build community connections, all while keeping it relevant for modern readers.
“I’m sad to hear that the paper went digital… taking it to print and passing out the hard copies was so fun! The student perspective will always be impactful,” said Tiffany Thormaehlen, class of 2006 and a former staff writer.
In contrast, current Waldron Street Journal writers appreciate the accessibility of the digital format, which allows them to reach a broader audience more quickly. By making the publication easily accessible on students’ phones, they can attract readers who might not have chosen to take a physical copy previously.
“I personally love that the Waldron Street Journal is digital because a lot more people are inclined to look at something they can access on their phone rather than a physical copy,” senior staff writer Alyssa Stringer said.
Page 15 of the October 29, 2004 edition of the Waldron Street Journal depicting the various poll questions that were asked of the student body.
The real-time results of one of the poll questions asked of students starting on October 28, 2024 and ending on November 5, 2024.
In both its print and digital forms, the Waldron Street Journal has served as a platform for students to build essential skills, from communication to time management. These skills often stick with students long after high school.
“My time with the Waldron Street Journal taught me how to work with different personalities and communicate my ideas effectively,” said Tannis Pettis, class of 2006.
In the 2004 edition, some writers dedicated whole sections to covering Flour Bluff ISD sports, documenting scores, game schedules, rosters, and more. Today, much of this coverage has moved towards the Sports Information Media courses, where students use broadcast journalism to report visually on FBISD sports events.
“Broadcast journalism allows us to show viewers the game as it unfolds and to be able to capture the raw emotion in our voices,” Allison Dobson, a junior in the Sports Information program, said. “I also do sideline photography and that helps viewers see and understand the game better than words alone.”
As the Waldron Street Journal moves forward, it continues to serve as a vital resource for student expression. The experiences and lessons students gain, from managing deadlines to engaging with the community, remain as valuable today as they were 20 years ago.
“The biggest challenge was meeting deadlines,” former newspaper advisor from 2001-2007, Debby Addison said. “We worked during the school day, and if we didn’t finish, we stayed until it was done."
Current newspaper advisor Audreana Underbrink agrees that the deadline situation is always a factor in publishing articles, even digitally. Even though the technology has advanced to allow a digital group workspace, late-nights aren’t quite out of the picture.
“I’m on Google Docs late into the night reviewing and giving feedback prior to publication, but I have to hand it to my Editor-in-Chief, Meredith Gayanilo, who is on-top of the situation daily,” Underbrink said.
Page 24 of the October 29, 2004 edition of the Waldron Street Journal the Comics section, that shows the political cartoon created by Nate Beeler about the Presidentiall Debate of 2004.
The Waldron Street Journal's student art submission for the political cartoon by Braeden Wallace, a replication concept of the 2004 edition depicting the Presidential Debate of 2024.
With its dedication to capturing student voices and perspectives, the Waldron Street Journal staff of 2004 cast a poll to the student body about the election for the presidential candidates, and in replication of this reporting, the current writers are casting out a poll on the 2024 election. This also included how the 2004 edition employed student artists to create cartoons, and in this edition, a political cartoon.
“I think including the political cartoon in this issue is important because it’s relevant to what’s happening right now since the election is next week,” sophomore staff writer Ava Carson said.
The cartoon and poll reflect the Waldron Street Journal’s role in encouraging students to think critically about issues that impact their lives- an aspect of journalism that helps prepare them for the future.
"The skills I learned at the Waldron Street Journal—advertising, content creation, and perspective-taking—have helped me advance in my career," former centerspread writer Lisa Nelson said.
As the Waldron Street Journal evolves with each generation, it remains committed to informing, inspiring, and connecting the Flour Bluff student body, proving that the power of student journalism endures well beyond the printed page.
Curious to see more from the 2004 edition? We’ll be sharing additional stories from the archives alongside modern takes on similar themes. Our first follow-up? A spotlight on celebrity look-alikes! Think YOU have a famous twin? Send us a headshot and the name of your celebrity match via DM on Instagram for a chance to be featured in the next issue. No headshot? Stop by the newspaper room (218) to have your photo taken today!
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