Meet the editors of Brookland Middle School‘s first student-led online newspaper, the Brookland Buzz!
You may recognize them from their work in We Matter: Notes from DC’s Generation Z, which they published with 826DC last year.
Now in eighth grade, the young journalists have picked up their pens again to share their research skills, writing prowess, and unique perspectives with the BMS community. They’re even mentoring fellow writers from the sixth and seventh grades!
It’s been an absolute joy to work with them. Look out, world: here come the editors of the Brookland Buzz!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – Ambriah J.
“I chose the role of Editor-in-Chief because I really like writing and having a lot of responsibility. Also, I believe in helping people in becoming a global citizen to keep them updated about what is going on in the world.”
BMS CULTURE NEWS EDITOR – Chidiire N.
“I chose the role of being a [BMS Culture] News Editor because I wanted to see for myself what it was like for others to adapt to the virtual learning environment from a student’s perspective and a teacher’s perspective. There are a lot of different opinions on virtual learning and I think it’s a good idea for everyone to hear from both sides.”
COMMUNITY NEWS EDITOR – Zasia H.
“I chose to be the Community [News] Editor because people aren’t usually kept up to date on what’s happening where they live, so getting a glimpse of what’s happening can be very resourceful.”
SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS EDITOR – Janiyah B.
“I chose to talk about social justice because it’s not getting the recognition it needs and it seems people have forgotten about it.”
HEALTH NEWS EDITOR – Doran C.
“I chose to be a Health News Editor because I wanted to express to others and myself how the state of mind can change over the course of a global pandemic.”
SPORTS NEWS EDITOR – Justin C.
“I chose to be the Sports News Editor because I have always had a relationship with sports and I feel like it is a good outlet to stay out of trouble in urban societies.”
The group decided that each issue of the Brookland Buzz will also feature a Special Guest Editor. For this first issue, that was fellow student Cesia O.!
SPECIAL GUEST EDITOR – CESIA O.
“I am an 8th grader and this is my first year as a BMS student. I feel great attending BMS and I feel like everybody has treated me very nicely since I got here, also everybody helps me when I need help because I am new at the school. I feel welcomed and accepted since being here.
I decided to interview Ms. Resnik because she was the first teacher I talked to my first day of school and she made me feel super welcomed to the BMS family! She is very nice to me and helps me a lot in many ways and she reminds me of an old teacher that me improve myself for better with hard work!!!”
You can watch Cesia’s interview with Ms. Resnik here on YouTube. They began in English and then conducted the rest of the interview in Spanish.
The next Special Guest Editor will be sixth grade journalist Travis C. We can’t wait to share his contribution in the next issue!
Are you interested in supporting student projects like this one? Visit 826DC’s Get Involved page to learn more about (virtual) volunteering, donating, or joining us as a community partner.