News design leader of the future
Spotted this heartwarmer in today’s Kansas City Star…
Amanda Allison, a 12th-grader at Shawnee Mission East High School and editor of the school newspaper, was named state high school journalist of the year:
Despite a collection of local and national journalism awards, Allison was stunned when she received the news. Her climb up the editorial ladder seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. She still recalls being an awkward freshman walking into journalism class for the first time.
After one semester, she became a spread editor. The shy Prairie Village teen had to interact with upperclassmen and edit her classmates’ stories.
“Everyone should be on the newspaper or yearbook staff because it really helps students learn how to write, design and communicate more effectively,” Allison said. “Look at me — I didn’t talk freshman year and now I can’t shut up.”
Being an editor, with her own section, was a blast for the budding journalist. She also found her passion: graphic design.
“I thought of myself as quite witty,” she said, with a laugh. “I really tried to incorporate colorful graphics and quick reads, which would capture readers’ attention. It was extremely fun.”
Although Allison has a busy work schedule, she always finds time for activities outside the newspaper. She works at Rainy Day bookstore, participates in the National Honor Society and SHARE community service activities. She also likes to read, go to movies, drink Starbucks and hang out with her friends.
Her responsibilities, however, never go away. “The newspaper is always on my mind, and it’s ridiculous,” Allison said. “I have no idea what I’m going to think about when I graduate in May. I won’t have a life.”
The story closes by noting Amanda will attend Syracuse this fall, with hopes to major in graphic design.
Sock it to ‘em, Amanda. Welcome to the field!
Read the whole story in today’s Star:
http://www.kansascity.com/148/story/57650.html
