GEORGE WEST, Texas — A new media club has been launched for aspiring students at George West Elementary School.
The club first met in November and published its first newspaper before Christmas break.
The club consists of 22 students in fourth through sixth grade. The sponsor of the club, Brandi McClendon, said her vision is to inspire students to write and branch out into different forms of media.
“It’s mostly for writing and getting the kids active and helping them inform the school about the Longhorn community,” McClendon said.
When she previously taught high school English, she noticed students did not have an interest or love for writing, McClendon said. Now, she feels if she can teach writing to students earlier, by the time they get to high school, they are more likely to develop an interest.
Sixth grader Carlee Johnson and fourth grader Cadence Younts are both reporters in the club.
“I like being able to uncover truth to a story and just finding out new things about a certain person or current event,” Johnson said.
“I get to express myself in front of the whole school ... I have a voice and everyone can hear what I did and what I like,” Younts added.
McClendon said she is seeing growth with her students as they step out of their comfort zones to taking on different roles and new projects.
“I think they are growing and it means a lot to be a part,"McClendon said. "I feel honored.”
While the newspaper is the primary focus, media club members say they also plan to produce short newscasts covering the school and local events.
To see the student's newspaper visit their website here.
