Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism

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OIDJ Editor - page 11

OIDJ Editor has 297 articles published.

Award-winning debater, Laurein Drumm one to talk about for years to come

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By Alanna LaDeauxEdmond Santa Fe High School When most people think of speech and debate, they think of confrontational, tough and argumentative forms of discussion. However, debate is also a way for students to express themselves in a friendly, competitive manner. Bixby senior Laurein Drumm is the No. 14-ranked debater in the state of Oklahoma, according to the National Speech & Debate Association. Laurein, originally from Verdigris Middle School moved to Bixby High School to pursue greater opportunities and challenge herself academically. At Bixby, Laurein got to further her talents in speech and debate. This eventually allowed her to develop…

Kate Kitova’s media studies whisk her – virtually – from Russia to Oklahoma 

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By Jensen McKeyEpic Charter Schools After her high school journalism class was canceled due to COVID-19, Kate Kitova wanted nothing more than to study journalism, particularly video production. Kitova, who is 18 and lives in Taganrog, Russia, is one of two Russian students participating this year virtually in the Oklahoma Institute of Diversity in Journalism. While she calls Russia home, her interest is in media production and she wants to study journalism abroad in America. “I’m very interested in how (students study) in another country.” Kitova has traveled around her country in southwestern Russia and to St. Petersburg, in the…

In basketball, Harry Lymberopoulos learns resilience he hopes to transfer to sports media career

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By Kaelyn SmithEpic Charter Schools Shoes squeaking against the floor, the dribbling of a basketball echoing across the court, the crowd holds its breath in anticipation as the shooting guard squares up to the basket, elevates and then swishes this shot.  And then the crowd cheers wildly in the stands for Harry Lymberopoulos.  Harry, a 17-year-old shooting guard, is from Jenks, Oklahoma, and has grown up playing basketball. On the court, Henry plays shooting guard and point guard. Even with multiple ACL and meniscus tears, he still continues to pursue his passions and play the sport he loves at Jenks…

Once an OIDJ student, now a coach, writing a constant for Camila Gonzalez

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By Jason McDanielEpic Charter Schools Camila Gonzalez is a freelance journalist who loves to write. “It’s a really important way to communicate with people, you can write about your emotions,” said Gonzalez, who attended the Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism as a student in 2014 and was back this year for her first time as a coach. But her writing isn’t limited to news stories. Gonzalez is a musician who loves to write songs. She writes to express the emotion she feels in her songs, and in other people’s songs, too. “I like learning new words and finding interesting…

An aspiring writer, Kaelyn Smith outlines a path to turn fantasy life into non-fiction one

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By Harry LymberopoulosJenks High School Just like a character in one of her favorite Shannon Messenger fiction books, Kaelyn Smith has a plan for the narrative arc of her life. “I love to read books. I love writing. I actually write on some of my own blogs for fun since I’ve always loved writing stories,” said Kaelyn Smith, a rising senior at Epic Charter Schools in Oklahoma City, of her passion for reading and writing.  Kaelyn’s enormous heart for reading and writing has ended up shaping the path she wants to take for college and ultimately her career.  “I actually…

With a knack for photography, Jason McDaniel knocking on media doors at a young age

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By Camila GonzalezOIDJ coach Many people have achieved great things at a young age. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was 5 years old when he composed his first piece of music. Pablo Picasso created his first painting when he was 9. Bobby Fischer was 15 when he was named grandmaster, the highest title in chess. Jason McDaniel, 14, began pursuing photography in seventh grade. He will begin his freshman year at Epic Charter Schools this fall. He was the first middle school student to be a part of the Epic News Network. “I actually kind of had to fight for it,” Jason…

Ever the new kid on the block, Alanna LaDeaux nonetheless building lasting legacies 

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By Laurein DrummBixby High School Students bustled through narrow hallways, teachers fumbled pronunciation and a young girl kept her head up above a sea of unfamiliar faces. Overcoming the self-consciousness of being the new kid is a feat that many are not able to achieve, and yet, Alanna LaDeaux has done that over 12 times. Throughout her life, in moves based on both school and family situations, LaDeaux has prevailed past taxing circumstances and built a community around her.  Along the way, she’s also tightened her grip on leadership. Navigating the cafeteria mazes and freshman year coursework were far from…

A note to our readers: OIDJ 2020 virtual workshop

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the normal in-person weeklong OIDJ workshop at Gaylord College shifted to a one-day virtual event conducted via Zoom. From the OIDJ directors, Yvette Walker and Melanie Wilderman COVID-19 changed so many planned events starting in March, and the Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism was not excluded from the shuffle to make changes for the safety of our participants and staff. Normally, OIDJ is a solid week or more full of experiential journalism and media training for high school students. Normally, these students stay on the OU campus and experience an introduction to dorm…

Students discuss trends in media use during pandemic

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Story by Silas Bales, Highland Park High School—Dallas, Texas The media has been a prevailing part of the world for years, and with the rise a global pandemic, the use of technology has been pushed to the forefront. Information about anything and everything can be accessed at any time through the use of technology. According to a study by Emarketer earlier this year, adults are spending 82 minutes on average on social media alone, whereas last year the average was around 76 minutes. With people spending more time on technology and less time with in-person social interaction, many find themselves…

Students, educators weigh in on plans for 2020-21 academic year during COVID-19

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Story by Miranda Renteria In the spring, COVID-19 took many by surprise with its impact closing down businesses, suspending travel, and making most schools switch to virtual learning for the rest of the year. With school already underway at some schools and universities and rapidly approaching for others, many changes and restrictions have or will be applied because of the constant increase in virus cases. Teachers, parents, and students alike are all learning how to live through these unprecedented times. There’s a 104 days of summer vacation… As children, everyone wished for summer to last 104 days like the the…

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