"From Ashes to Print: Temple University's Support for High School Journalism After Wildfire Devastation"
Read "From Ashes to Print: Temple University's Support for High School Journalism After Wildfire Devastation" on RadioNOVO
"From Ashes to Print: Temple University's Support for High School Journalism After Wildfire Devastation"
[!CDATA[A devastating wildfire in California destroyed a high school's newsroom, leaving it without cameras, computers, and decades of archived newspapers. Claire Smith, the executive director of Temple University's sports media center, reached out to her friend Lisa Nehus Saxon, the school's journalism adviser, to offer support. Smith traveled from Philadelphia to deliver a university paper featuring articles written by the high school students. The insert in the university paper showcased various articles written by the students, including topics like price gouging in the rental market post-wildfire and the school's return to in-person lessons. It also featured personal accounts of the fire's impact and creative contributions from students at Pasadena Rosebud Academy, another school affected by the fire. The wildfires in January caused significant damage in the Los Angeles area, affecting homes, schools, and businesses. Palisades Charter High School, with around 3,000 students, suffered about 40% campus damage and had to relocate temporarily. A quarter of the newspaper staff members lost their homes, leading some to move out of the community and change schools. The collaboration between Smith and Nehus Saxon aimed to provide students with a project to focus on after the tragedy and share their community's experience with a wider audience. During a meeting in Santa Monica, Smith and Samuel O’Neal, The Temple News’ editor-in-chief, distributed the printed papers to the high school staff. For many students, seeing their articles in print was a surreal experience, as the paper had transitioned to an online format due to costs. The project was a significant milestone for the students, who poured their time and passion for journalism into writing the articles. Gigi Appelbaum, a co-editor-in-chief who lost her home in the fire, found the project particularly meaningful as it connected them with people across the country who empathized with their situation. The support from distant individuals highlighted the special nature of the project for Appelbaum, who plans to preserve her copy of the paper as a memento. Smith and Nehus Saxon's friendship, which began over 40 years ago, has endured through various milestones and challenges, including the recent wildfire. Despite the distance between them, Smith's immediate response to the fire's impact on Nehus Saxon's community underscored the strength of their bond. While Nehus Saxon's home survived the fire, it was filled with ash and may not be habitable for years. With Smith's assistance, Nehus Saxon and her students were able to move forward and publish the final edition of the school year. The collaboration between the two friends and the students exemplifies the power of support and resilience in the face of adversity.]]