Grizzly Journalism Camp

Photo by Jerek Wolcott, Libby

Grizzly Journalism Campers enjoyed a game of Ultimate during the camp cook-out. Here, Jenet Ricketts of Kalispell and Chase Mohney of Great Falls reach for the Frisbee. (Click on photo to learn about the photographer)

We're impressed
with Montana's
high school press

Campers at the third annual Grizzly Journalism Camp (June 30-July 3) at the University of Montana brought with them not only their eagerness to learn more about journalism, but also a changed perspective of the world and their role in it.

“Freedom of the press fosters the true virtues of democracy,” said 17-year-old Cory Kalanick, a senior at Great Falls High School. “Journalists taking risks in the post-9/11 world are as essential to society as the firefighters who risked their lives rescuing WTC victims.”

Alice Kultgen, a 17-year-old senior at Choteau High School, agreed: “Honest journalism is becoming even more essential. The freedoms of speech and press are cornerstones of a true republic of the people.”

For three intense days in early July, 20 high school journalists covered news, interviewed local celebrities, took pictures, learned how to write and read news for broadcast, discussed ethical dilemmas and created Web pages.

They also had fun, taking in the Wednesday Out to Lunch at Caras Park and challenging the camp faculty and local media to a softball game.

Some student work appeared July 8 on the Missoulian’s “Represent” page, a biweekly showcase for student journalism. Much of the rest we present here, including sports stories on the upcoming Grizzly football season, features on local TV personalities and editorials on topics ranging from the Pledge of Allegiance to the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

As you read them, know that the future of journalism is in good hands.

See below for links to more student work.

NEWS
Tribune reporter reveals
the strains of covering
Montana's cannibal story

By LORENN MOORE
Libby High School

The most gruesome details in the case of a Great Falls man charged with kidnapping, murder and cannibalism of a 10-year-old boy were left out of her articles, a Great Falls Tribune reporter told Grizzly Journalism camp students.

Full story

EDITORIAL
Internet blocks don't work;
frustrate student research

By CHASE MOHNEY
Great Falls High School

When students sit down to research a paper for a history class, they expect a reasonable amount of freedom as they embark on their academic endeavors. Unfortunately, that bane of Internet research — the dreaded Internet blocker — often steals academic freedom from these enterprising students. Our newspaper staff frequently researches stories on the Internet, and we have been the victims of these annoying and unnecessary programs.

Read this and other editorials

FEATURES
Missoula news anchor lives
in a never-ending spotlight

By ALI WINBERRY
Great Falls High School

Imagine always having to look nice in public, always behaving in front of people, and always having to leave big tips. For Jill Valley, news broadcaster at KPAX television station in Missoula, that is what every day is like.

Read this and other feature stories

SPORTS
Grizzly Work
UM football ready for a second title run

By IAN ROBINSON
Hamilton High School

John Edwards and his fellow teammates on the University of Montana football team found the shock of winning a national championship something to get used to. In fact, it took time to sink in. It wasn’t until a banquet in Billings that some Grizzlies realized their achievement.

Full story

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