Yukon News Team Inspires Christ the King Students with Journalism Insights

On February 12, 2024, students of Grade 3A at Christ the King Elementary School in Whitehorse welcomed a team from the Yukon News for an engaging lesson on journalism. The visit was part of the students’ ongoing Media Literacy Unit, aimed at enhancing their understanding of news and reporting.

As the clock struck 10:45 a.m., anticipation filled the classroom. Mrs. Kennedy, the class teacher, had prepared her students for what they expected to be a brief encounter with a single reporter. Instead, they were greeted by three members of the Yukon News team, much to their delight. The visitors brought along newspapers, which they distributed for analysis and discussion, enriching the students’ learning experience.

Kevin Ceniza, the publisher of the Yukon News, initiated the presentation by likening his role to that of a principal in a school. This analogy resonated with the students, allowing them to understand the importance of his position in ensuring the smooth operation of the newspaper. Ceniza emphasized his responsibility for overseeing the publication’s functionality, ensuring all staff fulfill their roles effectively.

Joining him was journalist Jake Howarth, who shared his daily routine of covering approximately three stories, each ranging from 400 to 600 words. With enthusiasm, he informed the students, “We are never short of news here in the territory.” Howarth also described his work, which sometimes takes him to rural areas for interviews, but he primarily operates from Whitehorse, covering diverse topics including sports, politics, and community events.

In response to a question posed by Mrs. Kennedy about the essential elements of a news article, Howarth introduced the concept of the 5 W’s: What, Who, Where, When, and Why. He explained that addressing these questions is vital for writing informative articles, as it helps readers grasp the story without lingering questions.

When a student inquired about deadlines, Howarth clarified, “It is when we are expected to have our news article finished and ready for publication.” This explanation provided insight into the rigorous time constraints journalists face. Another student raised the issue of whether journalists should express opinions in their articles. Howarth firmly stated that it is “not our place, as journalists, to state our opinion when writing a news article, as this can be interpreted as bias.”

Mrs. Kennedy noted that her students were still grasping the distinction between fiction and non-fiction. Howarth reiterated the importance of factual reporting, warning that inaccuracies could lead to serious consequences. This commitment to truth is a hallmark of the Yukon News, which has served the community since the 1970s.

As the students absorbed this information, they began to appreciate the extensive effort that goes into journalism, particularly the editing process following interviews. Mrs. Kennedy wanted her students to understand that creating a polished final draft requires time and diligence. Howarth emphasized the necessity of checking for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the correct use of quotation marks during this process.

The presentation also highlighted the significance of headlines, lead sentences, and accompanying images in news articles. Howarth explained how a well-crafted headline can capture readers’ attention, while a strong lead provides a clear overview of the story.

The discussion also touched upon the evolving nature of journalistic deadlines. Although Mrs. Kennedy expressed interest in arranging a future field trip to the printing press, students were excited to learn that newspapers are recycled if not used. One inquisitive student asked whether newspapers are free in Whitehorse. Howarth responded that while newspapers are free in rural areas, they are priced at $1.75 in the city centre.

Ceniza underscored the importance of keeping the newspaper alive, stating, “There is something special about being able to deliver information to people in our community, as it can bring us together.” He also praised Howarth’s recent article about young athletes returning with 23 medals, highlighting the vital role of journalism in celebrating community achievements.

The session concluded with a presentation by Devashish Doppalapudi, a sales associate at the Yukon News. He engaged the students by asking if they had ever seen advertisements online or in magazines. Doppalapudi explained how various entities, from businesses to local arts and restaurants, use advertising to encourage purchases. He illustrated this point by flipping through the newspaper to show students current ads, which generated excitement as they recognized some of the businesses featured.

This visit from the Yukon News not only provided valuable insights into journalism but also reinforced the significance of reading and writing. Mrs. Kennedy fosters a culture of literacy in her classroom, emphasizing that strong writers are often avid readers. The interaction served as a reminder of how news can unite communities, celebrating shared experiences and achievements.

The Grade 3A class expressed appreciation for the valuable time spent with Kevin Ceniza, Jake Howarth, and Devashish Doppalapudi, thanking them for inspiring the next generation of potential journalists.