Jarecke Wins Trip to National Journalism Conference Amelia Jarecke Was No Better Time to Be a Journalist,” She Explained
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
September 22, 2017 Volume 54 Issue 1 XchangePius X High School 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NEWSEUM INSTITUTE Jarecke wins trip to national journalism conference Amelia Jarecke was no better time to be a journalist,” she explained. “They The Free Spirit conference falls under one of the “First Sports Editor were right then, and they’re right now. The only constant is Amendment programs.” change in the news industry.” In response to the threat of losing the program, Pilon “Now more than ever, we need young journalists.” The conference is essential in inspiring the next gen- said, “It would be devastating; maybe not over night, but Washington Post editor Marty Baron said these words eration of journalists. Up until I attended the conference, I years down the road we would see the fallout of this.” to me. Granted, I was in a room with 50 other student jour- thought journalism was just something I had fun doing, not Journalism is an underdog profession, due to economic nalists from around the country. But it felt like a personal something I could make a career. and political disadvantages. But in order to hold our gov- call, telling me that my dream needs me to chase it. In the words of Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today ernment accountable, we need freedom of the press. In order to get to this point, the one where I’m sit- and the Free Spirit conference, “Journalism is the most fun “Anyone who cares about democracy should fund ting in the $450 million Newseum Institute, dining with you can have and still get paid for.” and support this because it is essential to democracy,” said Pulitzer-prize winners and ESPN commentators, I just Months after I returned home from D.C., I saw some Pilon, who has also covered politics at Politico. had to take a gamble. Back in February, I applied to rep- news that threatens the future of this conference that I As far as the future of journalism goes, it will be fine. resent Nebraska at the 2017 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and enjoyed so thoroughly. We have more people reading information now than ever Journalism Conference. The president of the Newseum resigned amidst finan- in the history of the world. Yes, print news is dying but that Though I felt extremely unqualified, I won the schol- cial troubles. does not mean journalism is. It just takes new forms and arship. “It has become obvious that the current model — adapts. At the conference, I learned what it takes to be a good where the Freedom Forum is the primary funder of the So I am not concerned for the future of the journal- journalist in this time of fake news, an overflow of infor- Newseum — cannot continue indefinitely at this level,” Jan ism industry. What I am concerned with is the future of the mation, and a political scene where the media is constantly Neuharth, the daughter of Al Neuharth and chairwoman of conference. under attack. the Freedom Forum said in a statement. “Left unchecked, We need to inspire smart, young people to pursue Mary Pilon, author and sports writer for The New York this deficit spending rate would eventually drain the careers as journalists. We need to put kids from small Times, explained to me, in a personal interview, that when Freedom Forum’s entire endowment, and the annual cash schools in Nebraska in a big room of accomplished people she attended the Free Spirit conference years ago, she felt a drain prevents us from allocating any new capital to First just to show them how big their dreams can be. similar call. Amendment programs that are at the heart of our educa- Now more than ever, we need young, hungry journal- “In 2004, when Bush was in office, they said there tional mission.” ists. The Free Spirit Conference finds them. News & Opinion Features Sports Entertainment Chaplain Fr. Bernardo Battle of the Hansens New Scoreboard Ed Sheeran rocks Omaha Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 2 News September 22, 2017 Bernardo assigned to new position as full-time Chaplain for 2017-2018 school year “This one’s unique… I have no parish duties or any the other,” Bernardo said, referring to not being able to Abbie Russman teaching duties,” Bernardo said. teach but having the assignment of chaplain. Staff Writer Bernardo is meant to be available at a moment’s “I would like to see myself in this position for at least notice, which is the reason why he does not have teaching a couple years,” Bernardo said. Father Joseph Bernardo, a major figure at Pius X, was duties. Instead, he takes care of sacramental duties, assists This year will hold many opportunities for students to assigned as full-time Chaplain for the 2017-2018 school Campus Ministry, and works to make himself visible to grow in their faith because of this new and exciting assign- year. parents, students and administration. He wants to reach out ment. As we know, Pius X is growing rapidly. Father Daniel and assist every member of the Pius family. Rayer, chancellor for the Diocese of Lincoln, said that He hopes to help everyone “recognize PHOTO Bishop James Conley and authoritative figures at Pius X Christ’s place in our everyday life.” He desires felt that with such a large number of students, it would be to bridge the gap between people and Christ. BY helpful to have a chaplain to focus on the community. Molly Milana, the Campus Minister at Pius A Rayer said that the benefits of assigning a full-time X, said having a chaplain “opens a lot of doors RUSSMAN BBIE Chaplain include having someone designated to interact that have not been previously opened for staff with others throughout the day and attend extra-curricular members.” The staff now has a priest they can activities. Bernardo is there to talk and pray with others. easily talk to. “It was a shock, but at the same time, it wasn’t a Junior Matthew Maguire said that having a shock,” Bernardo recalled. chaplain ensures that there is always the oppor- Bernardo was assigned as a full-time Chaplain at Pius tunity for confession after school. Maguire said X with residency at St. John’s. This came as a surprise Bernardo is present more in the halls and is because he had just finished his first year as a pastor for St. there to talk. Leo’s parish in Palmyra and St. Martin’s parish in Douglas. When asked if he missed teaching, He had heard of plans to establish a full-time Chaplain Bernardo claimed, “I do… I miss teaching as a valid position, which lessened the shock. freshmen.” Although he misses teaching great- This new position is unlike most other clergy assign- ly, he sees the importance of this new role. ments. “Although I can’t do one, I’m glad to do Bernardo is excited about the his new Chaplain assignment. Guidance receives roomy renovations Funds raised, additional Olivia Taylor The renovation was done over the summer Features Editor before the 2017-2018 school year began. The Mother Theresa room was renovated slightly to classrooms to be built Pius X has undergone another improvement make room for a new office for campus chaplain Fr. to both its staff and building. With new guidance Joseph Bernardo, along with the new guidance office starting in early 2018 counselor Greg Sederberg, the guidance office has conference room. been renovated to make more room for the new The new changes to the guidance office make Addison O'Meara new hallway will lead to more addition to its staff. for more room for students and faculty to comfort- Staff Writer classrooms on both sides. “Last year we made a decision to add a fourth ably move about. The current portables in our counselor, but then in our little space we didn’t Junior Hayden Higgins said, “I like the new In spring 2018, Pius X High east parking lot will be removed have enough room,” Director of Guidance Jan renovations because there is a lot more space in it School will be starting con- entirely once the additions are Frayser said. “So we made a decision and Father and it just feels more welcoming.” struction on classroom additions completed. [Meysenburg] accepted it, that and in the little con- The new renovations are very appreciated from to the original building. The Pius X website has a ference room, the wall would be pulled back so the students who feel like the renovations have made Our school has been experi- more detailed look on what the that our outer office would be larger and then there our school feel more comfortable and updated. encing issues with space for the new classrooms will be used would be one more office.” “I think the renovations make it easier to move past few years. Classes are rap- for. Sederberg is originally from Beatrice and around and makes the office come off as a warm and idly growing in size, teachers Freshman Ellie Yager moved to Lincoln this last year. He also made the happy place to be,” senior Judith Brown said. are having to share classrooms explains, “I think that the addi- decision to become a counselor within the last year. The guidance office renovations have been and hallways are overcrowding. tions will be a lot better than He taught Social Studies at Beatrice High highly regarded by both faculty and students as a Tom Korta, Pius X princi- having to run to the portables School for the last six years, so this is his first year great improvement to the Pius X building.