Sade Young

for NSPA Multimedia Journalist of the Year

Selected work

Senior Reflects on Past Spirit Week Themes

Spirit week is the most important week at Dreyfoos. Each year, each class has a theme, either a thing like firefighters or movie like Shrek, that correlates with their colors: freshmen are blue, sophomores green, juniors red, and seniors black and gold. One senior reflected on the graduating class’ past themes, noting what he liked and disliked about each theme.

Amplifying the Arts: Students Bring the Arts to Senior Citizens

During the pandemic, community service opportunities have been scarce. The sophomore class council decided to put their artistic talents to use by performing for senior citizens, offering students community service hours and offering senior citizens entertainment.

Decisions and Donuts

Each year, seniors celebrate committing to college by wearing their college merch, decorating paper flags with their college’s colors, and eating donuts.

First Day of School, COVID Edition

After not being in school brick and mortar for several months, students were finally able to return in October. Four students documented their first day back in person, showcasing the safety guidelines in place.

The Muse Tries: Small Businesses - Tulipan Bakery

To show The Muse’s support for small business amid the pandemic, a staffer reviewed a local bakery’s lunch and pastries.

Reflection

My first thought when I heard I would be covering stories this year was “how am I supposed to make school-related stories from home.” Though I was initially upset I had to continue making videos during a pandemic, it turned out to be the most fulfilling experience. When I felt isolated and my days were monotonous, I looked forward to interviewing students to see how their lives were. I was impressed by the motivation of students to continue creating art, playing sports, achieving academically, and really just not letting the pandemic get in the way of what they were passionate about. As I reflect on this past year, I realize I have done the same. Even from home, I was able to connect with other students and report their lives. What was once a sit down interview setup with cameras and lights became a Zoom meeting (which I didn’t mind, it saved me the time of setting up). Each time I sat down to interview someone, I was in awe of each student’s passion for what they were working on. I was equally as passionate to report that story back to my community. For example, when I talked with the sophomore class council about their community service program where they host virtual performances for senior citizens, I was excited about the amount of audiences that would be interested in seeing the class council’s work. I thought how the parents would like to see their children working hard, how fellow students would be excited to learn about this community service opportunity, how local art organizations would be proud student artists are still creating. With each video I made, I found myself enjoying reporting virtually more and more. While nothing can beat sitting down with someone face to face, I found it fulfilling to be able to connect with someone though miles apart. In a time where the world had felt like it had stopped, I learned passion does not.

Get in touch at sadeyoung.themuse@gmail.com

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