Summer Workshop Introduces High School Students to Journalism Careers Tuesday, July 2, 2019
"I learned how to interview people, what type of information to look for, good questions to ask, how to edit using Lightroom, how to write a broadcast script and the different types of journalistic writing."
From behind-the-scenes tours at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and PNC Park to watching a live broadcast of the noon news at KDKA-TV, 11 area high school students gained writing, interviewing and reporting experience at Point Park University's Summer Journalism Workshop, held June 24-27 in the Center for Media Innovation.
Led by Robin Cecala, Ph.D., associate professor of broadcast production, the workshop included:
Workshop sessions
- Interviewing with Andrew Conte, M.S., director of the Center for Media Innovation
- Writing with Helen Fallon, M.A., professor of journalism and director of the University's Honors Program
- Photography with Nathan Gentry, M.A. in media communication '19
Guest speakers and off-campus tours
- Covering the Tree of LIfe synagogue shooting with Pulitzer Prize-winning Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporters Ashley Murray, M.A. '18, '09 and Andrew Goldstein '14
- KDKA-TV tour and watch a live production of the noon newscast with Kristine Sorensen, anchor
- PNC Park tour with Dan Hart, director of media relations, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Washington Wild Things tour and game with Craig Lion, creative services and production manager
Learn more about their experiences below and check out samples of their work on the student-created website.
Meet Amelia Smerbeck
High School: Peters Township High School
Dream job: Director or editor
What new skills did you learn this week?
"I learned how to interview people, what type of information to look for, good questions to ask, how to edit using Lightroom, how to write a broadcast script and the different types of journalistic writing."
Meet Catie Hohman
High School: Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School
Dream job: Broadcaster, video/photo producer
What was your favorite part of the week?
Meet Jacob Kubick
High School: Seton La-Salle High School
Dream job: TBD
What was it like being on a college campus all week?
"It was exciting to be on a college campus in Downtown Pittsburgh all week. There are so many great photo and story ideas to uncover."
Meet Maggie Allwein
High School: Pine-Richland High School
Dream job: Investigative reporter, New York Times
What was your favorite part about the workshop?
"Before coming to Point Park, I was not sure if journalism was something that I really wanted to pursue. Now I not only know that, but I also know that journalism is my passion."
Meet Melina Tripoli
High School: North Allegheny Senior High School
Dream job: Journalist or graphic designer
What did you enjoy most this week?
"I really enjoyed all of the field trips we took around town to see what a job in the field would be like. It was fun touring KDKA and the Washington Wild Things park."
High School Students: Join us for Upcoming Media Days
Students interested in visiting Point Park's School of Communication are invited to attend a High School Media Day during the fall and spring semester. Registration information will be posted on the High School Programs page.