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"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."

Amelia Smerbeck, Peters Township High School student

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

Guest speakers and off-campus tours

Learn more about their experiences below and check out samples of their work on the student-created website.

Pictured is Amelia Smerbeck. Photo | Emma Federkeil

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."


Pictured is Catie Hohman. Photo | Emma Federkeil

Meet Catie Hohman

High School: Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School
Dream job: Broadcaster, video/photo producer

What was your favorite part of the week?

"My favorite part was visiting KDKA-TV to see how much effort and care it takes to produce a newscast."

Pictured is Jacob Kubick. Photo | Emma Federkeil

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."


Pictured is Maggie Allwein. Photo | Emma Federkeil

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."


Pictured is Melina Tripoli. Photo | Emma Federkeil

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.


More About: photography, School of Communication, Pine-Richland High School, Pittsburgh Pirates, faculty, North Allegheny Senior High School, photojournalism, Center for Media Innovation, KDKA, Seton-La Salle High School, Peters Township High School, journalism, summer media workshops