From Nov.12 to Nov. 15, two of Bellarmine Preparatory’s journalists traveled to Nashville, TN, along with teacher Jeanne Hanigan. Chaperone Jim Hanigan and the students’ mothers also accompanied them to the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association Convention. They spent their time listening to journalists and teachers from around the country, touring the WSMV 4 news station and, in a competition, writing feature and editorial articles.
Juniors Kate Kampbell and Ellie Rehberger had a busy but great three days in Nashville exploring and learning.
The first day after arrival, Kampbell and Rehberger toured WSMV 4, a local news station in Nashville. They were given a tour of the news station, time to talk to reporters, and an informative discussion with the lead investigative reporter. This experience gave insight into the real world of journalism, showing them the importance of reporting. Following their tour, they had a fabulous meal at The Buttermilk Ranch restaurant on 12 South and explored shops. They highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Nashville area. That evening, Kampbell, Rehberger, and their mothers Brianne Kampbell and Cat Rehberger, joined both Hanigans and alumni director Anne Gintz for dinner and community at the alumni event located in the Gaylord Hotel. As their last event of the day, they attended a keynote speaker on the power of stories presented by Pulitzer Prize winners.
Their second day was full of more learning and even a writing completion. Rehberger and Kampbell attended three early-morning learning sessions on creating memorable articles, finding college pathways following journalism along with tips for college and, finally, localizing global news into the high school. Throughout these sessions they learned how important it is to take global issues and present them in ways that are relatable. They ventured downtown afterwards to see some live music, and experience more of Nashville. By the time they made it back to the hotel, it was about time for their writing competitions. Rehberger went and wrote an editorial article, and Kampbell went on to write a feature article. While it was a momentarily stressful experience, both Kampbell and Rehberger felt that they learned valuable lessons from their individual competitions. To conclude their last full day in Nashville, Rehberger and Kampbell went to the Grand Ole Opry with their moms. There they watched multiple country artists and bands perform, including Kelsea Ballerini and LANY.
The next morning, they went to more sessions on investigative journalism and stories for social media. Afterwards, Kampbell and Rehberger flew smoothly back to Seattle. This experience, although packed with lots of activities, was meaningful and memorable.
