On Monday, Feb. 24, members of the Lion journalism team had the opportunity to present to the 2024-25 Mission and Formation Committee which included board members, faculty/staff, administrators, and other Bellarmine community members.
Journalism teacher and adviser Jeanne Hanigan, senior David Añel, and junior Ainsley Joyce shared their experiences in the journalism program.
Some topics they shared included the Examen at the beginning of class, the “dinner table” articles they pitched, the often daily discussions about what news was going on campus, what they could and could not cover, the physical production of the annual college map, and the recent grueling practice of reviewing 21 applications for only eight positions on next year’s staff. These activities build upon skills needed in the workplace.
Some challenging articles published were about the theology curriculum, all-school masses, coed Encounter [broadcast story], etc.
But journalism on the hill also focused on fun. From the viral TikToks to the PinkOut promotion, the 23rd annual schoolwide cookie contest, secret santas, sweatshirt/t-shirt swag, press badges, and the sometimes scary snack wheel, 4th period students worked hard but play hard, too.
They also mentioned the opportunities they had to be a part of the national scholastic press through biannual conventions and conferences. In November 2024, Añel and Hanigan, along with 2024 graduates Talia Patel and Betty Roberts, competed successfully in Boston, MA.
This April 2025, the spring convention is in Seattle, WA. And, in November 2025, many students wish to attend the convention in Nashville, TN, where Hanigan will be recognized for our Certified Journalism Educator status renewal.
Mission and Formation Committee members were not left empty-handed. They received official reporter notebooks, stylus pens, and even snacks (even though they did not get a chance to spin the snack wheel). In addition, some members of the audience were former Lion newspaper staff members, including a Class of 1994 graduate Adrienne Corpuz Joyce.
