Stories

Trash to treasure: getting the dirt on Masters' composting

At the start of this school year, my school partnered with an outside composting contractor located in Cortlandt Manor, NY. Accompanied by my co-executive producer and AP Environmental Science teacher, I planned a behind-the-scenes interview, detailing what happens to our school’s food scraps after they leave the campus. I learned about composting, but equally as important, I used my platform as a broadcast journalist to inform and educate my school community. Highlights included the aerobic technique used in the composting process, and the amount of time it takes to screen debris from the compost. 

Temporary SNAP benefits end in New York

The temporary pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ended in New York on March 1. As a result of this cut, SNAP participants lost an average of $95 per month. I wanted to bring this issue to the attention of my viewers and find out more about how this change would affect those in my community. I took a national story and localized it by interviewing a teacher at my school, a Feeding Westchester SNAP Associate, and the New York Assemblymember of my school's district. This piece demonstrates my ability to include the perspectives of three important stakeholders of this issue, as well as to tell a succinct story regarding a complex topic. 

Junior hosts second annual 'Movember' fundraiser 

Junior Austen Smith's efforts in support of the Movember foundation have resulted in raising nearly $5,000 this year. I spoke with him about his connection to this organization and reached out to members of our school community who have participated in Movember. Knowing that this article would be featured in our publication's online issue, I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity to use a different medium. I decided to create an Adobe Express package, which I think provides a more engaging read. I included photos collected from the month-long fundraiser, graphics, videos, as well as the link to Smith's donation page.

Local consignment shop recycles clothes

After noticing that many of our broadcast segments this year had been mostly school-specific stories, I was eager to highlight a local business in town who exemplifies our school's mission of being a "power for good." Located right down the road from my school in Dobbs Ferry, Affordables consignment shop recycles children’s clothes and toys. This story shares the importance of sustainable fashion with our viewers, encouraging them to give their old clothes a second life.

Boys varsity squash scores success

The boys varsity squash team had a very successful season this past winter, closing their season at the United States High School Squash Championships in Philadelphia, PA. I collected match footage from one of the parents in attendance. I also interviewed multiple players about their experience at nationals and thoughts on the season overall; I spoke with the team's senior captains, a standout freshman, and the head coach.