The Student News Website of Francis Howell North High School.

FHNtoday.com

The Student News Website of Francis Howell North High School.

FHNtoday.com

The Student News Website of Francis Howell North High School.

FHNtoday.com

More of what former staffers have said about being a part of FHN Media

"It helped me so much, it's hard to put it in words. It didn't only help me in the field of journalism, but it helped me help discover who I was and what I like to do. It definitely made me a better person and gave me confidence to do many things today. I LOVE 026!"
– Stevie Johnson

"It taught me to manage my time better and taught me to prioritize tasks. It also taught me the value of teamwork. Journalism was my creative outlet in high school in between all the other subjects that I was not fond of. I felt like those of us in my class and editors hour were a tight knit group, which was nice, too."
– Erica Rutsch

"Being a part of the journalism program in high school gave me the confidence to pursue journalism as a career.  I think it also was a place in a very large high school where I could feel I belonged. Even if I hadn't continued to study journalism in college, being a part of the program gave me organizational skills, taught me to work well with others and improved my ability to write anything."
– Kalen Ponche

"For me, it was the first time I really saw tangible results that reflected exactly how hard I worked. It really drove the point home that the more work you put in, the better the results will be.

Other helping lessons:

  • Sharing a common goal can make anyone work well together.
  • If a story isn't important to you, remember it's not about you, you are writng it because it's important to someone else. Don't do things halfway.
  • Have a plan, but don't force something that's not working. Adapt to the situation.
  • Remembering photo mechanics can make any shot better,
  • You would be surprised how many people can't put their thoughts into words. This class helps you enhance your communication skills."

– Jeremiah Miller

"Participating in high school journalism helped me beyond high school more than I can honestly even explain. I went on to college to study Public Relations at Southeast Missouri State University, and every aspect of what I was learning related back to so many of the things that I was taught from journalism, photo-j and newspaper.

I felt like I was at least one step ahead of everyone in my classes, and journalism wasn't even my primary focus at that time. Being a part of the newspaper staff for three years of my high school experience is the number one thing I still miss and relate back to from high school today. I truly learned more from that experience, and having the leadership experience of being an editor as well, than I learned from many of my other classes because it was real. We had the opportunity to experience being journalists, doing interviews, photographing, designing, leading, working in teams and so much more. I still talk about newspaper to this day.

I wish that I had the opportunity to be a part of your program today because I know you are doing so much more with the virtual world when it comes to social media and all of the other exciting ventures. Everything that I have learned throughout college and that I am doing with my current job today involves social media and my knowledge of all things learned over the past several years of my life, to include the high school journalism program. Just this week I've been to two social media events outside of work. It's great to know that students are being taught these amazing things that are big players in life and business today. Thank you for everything that you have taught me and everything you are continuing to teach your students today!! I HIGHLY recommend becoming a part of the high school journalism program in any aspect possible to incoming students. It will completely alter your overall high school experience in a very positive way. : ) "
– Kasey Steffens

"Being a member of jounalism in high school helped me in a number of ways. First and foremost, as I'm sure others are also responding, it really helped me understand the importance of comaraderie in the work place. As someone who likes to complete tasks on my own, and despises "team work" (because I always feel like I can do it better), journalism classes and the newspaper room taught me to trust my co-workers, and also to be a dependant co-worker myself. Room 026 required a lot of group work that helped me to trust others with who I was/am working. This also is the reason I am able to develop friendships and a sense of companionship among my co-workers and is something I still find essential and useful today in my current work environment. Secondly, and almost as important, it is the reason I am awake right now – it birthed my love for coffee.

On the first (or was it second?) day of newspaper class, Mr. Manfull stressed the importance of coffee in Journalism. Many times, interview subjects will invite a reporter in for coffee – it is comforting, it's not intrusive. Sitting down with a subject for a mere cup of coffee could be contingent on you getting an interview or not. I took this to heart, and now, am a full-blown coffee addict. How did I survive all-nighters in college? Coffee. How do I survive my early commute to work in Chicago rush-hour trafic? Coffee. I cannot express how much this little nugget of advice has helped me beyond high school. Seriously. "
– Kelly Arnet

"Although the writing and interviewing skills I gained in my time in 026 are indispensable and I will probably use them for the rest of my life, I believe the leadership skills I gained were the most beneficial. As an editor my senior year, I was in charge of the web team alongside Katie O'Neill. We led a group of four others and together, we created a force to be reckoned with in the online high school journalism world. I learned a great deal about delegating work among others and helping a group of people collaborate and create something truly special, and I will use those skills for the rest of my life, in all that I do."
– David Hoehn

"It help me become aware of stylistic needs and creative ways to focus the reader and intrigue the reader.  When I need a quote for a paper I know from journalism what type of questions I should ask. Seems like I had to do that a couple of times for a class that was not journalism related."
– Megan Crafton

"Participating in high school journalism taught me many things about leadership, working together and setting goals. I have found myself using a lot of the same strategies and methods of organization and time management in college. I also gained a lot of confidence in my abilities as a journalist, a leader and a person in general."
– Maddie Baum

"Being in publications helped me learn to work and manage my time out to make the deadlines, it also helpd me with teamworking skills. And as a photographer, it taught me that not a lot of things come to you at once, you have to wait and stick around to see what you're going to get."
– Michelle Utlaut

"It really set me on a path for my college major — Graphic Communication, and definitely helped me get my first job in photography.  It also taught me to ask questions and ask for what I wanted — the worst they can say is no.  Knowing how to talk to people, especially people who are older or more experienced, has no doubt helped me get jobs; and it is amazing how many doors "I'm writing an article for the school paper" will open…Watch "Catch Me If You Can" — he gets all his info telling the Pan Am guy he is working for the school paper 🙂 "
– Cari Stoltz

"I learned omputer processing skills, how to work in an office-like environment, ease with talking to strangers and getting interviews, portfolio preparation, and research skills. Thanks!
– Abi Kleinsmith

"Participating in high school journalism helped me find a passion for magazine journalism. Through interviewing and communicating with the staff I also gained people skills. It also helped me to step out of my comfort zone and gain leadership skills I never knew I had."
– Barbara Jean Palmer

"I had so many great experiences that came from my time in newspaper that I couldn’t begin to explain them all. I would say that my top two things would be my friendships and my career. On the newspaper staff I made friendships that will last a lifetime that I could not imagine my life without. I also figured out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I did not go into journalism, however I did go into education. I learned from Manfull how important education was and that I wanted to be a part of that process. I also have a collection of memories that I will always look back on and enjoy. I could never have asked for a greater experience in high school than joining the newspaper staff. Nearly six years after my graduation, I still wear my 026 Publications t-shirt."
– Julia O'Brien

"For me, high school journalism helped me realize my talents could be used beyond a classroom setting. The skills I learned and perfected in 026 were ones that actually pertained to the real world outside of high school. I learned about networking, professionalism and real research; not the kind you did for your lit class paper on Google, concrete information from a firsthand source! The numerous other skills I took from 026 put me a step ahead of other students when I found myself in a college classroom (as a journalism major), and have since helped me feel confident in my abilities whether I'm writing a story, an email, applying for a job or going on an interview. The experiences I had in Manfull's program at FHN have impacted me more immensely than the many other classes or after school activities I was involved in. I would HIGHLY recommend getting involved! :)"
– Abigail Feil

"Even though I did not pursue a degree in journalism or work in a field closely related, 026 gave me the skills I wasn't aware I needed (at the time) to develop into who I am and to make it in the real world. By being part of a close-knit team who worked together for a common purpose I learned to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, to persevere when things get difficult, and that working as a team can result in a better product. After I left high school and moved on I was more of a leader overall and embraced working on team projects. I was no longer afraid to be in a position that supervised a team or required leading a group of peers. I gained much confidence through the journalism program and know that if I hadn't been part of it I would be a more timid woman who is less professional and poised. High school journalism (much credited to Mr. Manfull) helped give me the wings I needed to fly!"
– Lydia Miller

"I think there are numerous benefits to participating in high school journalism, and every person takes away something positive from the experience.  Obviously, as a journalism student you vastly enhance your writing skills and understanding of grammar. Journalism also helps you gain confidence and pushes you outside your comfort zone; you learn how to deal with a wide variety of sources and situations in a mature manner. These skills are necessary to succeed both in college and in future careers.

Joining the newspaper staff helped me figure out that journalism was a major I wanted to pursue in college. Because I had so much experience in high school, I felt more prepared to tackle difficult stories for class or for local media outlets at Mizzou. 026 Publications also gave me the opportunity to shape my leadership style and learn how to work with people unlike myself. I have been able to transfer these leadership and interpersonal skills to non-journalism related roles at school and internships. Overall, high school journalism was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend it."
– Danielle Karstens

"The main thing that I gained from being on newspaper and yearbook was the fact that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. The vision is yours. Just because one person may tell you no doesn’t mean that the ball stops there. You look for alternate ways to accomplish your story or your photo. Even though you don’t have a huge portfolio of work doesn’t mean that you are any less of a person than those who have been in the business for years and years. In my short time in HS Publications I was many to see and cover once-in-a-lifetime events, whether it was getting press passes to the State Wrestling event or  on a national level like Presidential debates or Caucuses. The biggest thing that I learned or gained is that anything is possible. You just have to want it and have the drive to accomplish it."
– Ryan Gruber

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