WASHINGTON, D.C. — White Pine Press editorial staffers typically attend an annual associated collegiate press conference, but things shook out differently this year.
Staffers instead wanted to go to an event that had more of an impact on people. The young journalists wanted to cover a big story rather than attend seminars that discussed the big news of the day.
And that's how eight White Pine Press staffers and an adviser ended up in Washington, D.C., for a rally dreamed up by Comedy Central heavyweights Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
The trip began Thursday at 4:15 a.m. on NMC's campus in Traverse City. Staffers wheeled into Washington hours later and began to familiarize themselves with the city, including the region's mass transit system, which allowed them to navigate to Saturday's rally site.
Students explored historic sites, then turned their focus to journalism. The Newseum — a museum dedicated to news media history — offered the group a chance to see history through the eyes of journalists.
It presented information and new ideas for all eight staff members: Pulitzer-winning photos for photographers, national front page samples for the design team and countless exhibits for writers and editors.
The students then prepped for the big day, discussed safety and how to navigate a crowd expected to top 100,000, and then the writers and photographers spilled into the masses.
In-depth coverage will appear in coming issues of the White Pine Press.
The rally allowed writers to experience how fast-paced, real-world journalism operates. Cell phone signals failed at times and staffers were forced to fall back on their nuts-and-bolts journalism training.
They worked the crowds, pulled off man-on-the-street interviews, and jotted field notes amid the chaos. The events challenged students in ways they'd never encountered during previous assignments.
The rally showcased a population frustrated with partisan agendas as portrayed through the mass media. The college journalists couldn't help but wonder if the event indicated a potential shift in reporting's future.
The original plan was to cover the event live on the White Pine Press' web site and on Facebook, but without working cell phones, they were forced to abandon that notion. But deadlines weren't scrapped, including one deadline to ship copy to the Record-Eagle.
As soon as the event ended, the NMC students got to work and rushed to meet a deadline just hours away.
Maddy Mesa and Chloe Boudjalis are staff writers for the White Pine Press, Northwestern Michigan College's student newspaper.
Region
Crew from NMC travels to capital to hone their craft
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Housing project 'moving forward'
Traverse City commissioners recently approved what officials expect to be the last change in long-running negotiations to sell city property near the former railroad depot off Eighth Street to two affordable housing agencies.
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Septic tank tax appears inevitable
A $30 to $40 yearly tax assessment on properties with septic tanks in Grand Traverse County and Leelanau's Elmwood Township appears inevitable.
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DEQ seeks public input on Brown Bridge Dam removal
The state Department of Environmental Quality seeks public comment on Traverse City's request for a permit to remove Brown Bridge Dam and restore three miles of Boardman River channel.
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Man charged in Crystal Lake incident
A downstate man who attempted to evade authorities by jumping into Crystal Lake spent his Memorial Day weekend in jail.
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Traverse City to expand TC Saves energy program
The city is expanding a program designed to help residents save on their energy bills.
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Elk Lake boat launch closed for repairs
The Elk Lake boat launch located three miles south of Kewadin is temporarily closed for repairs.
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Suspect arrested in parking meter thefts
Police arrested a man they said stole parking meters in Traverse City.
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TC Central, West on another 'best' list
Two Traverse City high schools made another national list of the best in the country.
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Traverse City man faces theft charge
A Traverse City man faces a criminal charge after police believe he stole cash and other items from a friend's parents.
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Detroit chamber wants help for new campaign
The Detroit Regional Chamber is asking private companies to contribute $2 million a year for a new campaign to promote economic development in southeastern Michigan.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 29, 2012
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Video: 'Taps' at Memorial Day service at Oakwood Cemetery
An excerpt of horn player Don Sattler and drummer David Sattler performing "Taps" at the conclusion of the Memorial Day service at Traverse City's Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, May. 28, 2012.
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Memorial Day: Traverse City honors heroes
A Memorial Day ceremony included a recitation of the Gettysburg Address, a rifle salute, the playing of "Taps" and a speech from Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners Chairman Larry Inman.
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Get to work without using your car
- Monday, May 28, 2012
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City to discontinue spring cleanup
City crews will stop collecting residents' clutter each spring.
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Terry Wooten: WWII soldier's story told in poems
Jack Miller, a survivor of the Bataan Death March and a POW during World War II, won't be in any Memorial Day parades today.
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Remembering the fallen veterans
Below is a list of military veterans from the region who died during the past year (May 28, 2011, through May 25, 2012).
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Memorial Day events
A roundup of Memorial Day-related events in northern Michigan:
Continued ... - Sunday, May 27, 2012
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Travel season begins
Tourism analysts at Michigan State University project a 3 percent increase in Michigan travel volume this year.
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Restored cemetery to be honored on Memorial Day
The "Old Ones" buried in the once-overgrown and abandoned Onominese Indian Cemetery near Northport will be honored in a Memorial Day service and traditional re-dedication ceremony.
Continued ... - 2012 Memorial Day weekend event listing
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Underwater archaeology school returns to NMC
People from around the world will dive deep into the study of underwater archaeology next month at Northwestern Michigan College.
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Change may be on the way for kindergarten cutoff date
State lawmakers are considering moving up the cutoff date for kindergarten to level the academic playing field for new students, but school officials in Traverse City said it's more important to focus on universal preschool.
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Paving under way on 6.5-mile stretch of Leelanau Trail
Cyclists soon find a much smoother ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 26, 2012
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July 4 to sparkle for years to come
Local supporters saved the threatened patriotic pyrotechnics last year. Now, the group launched the nonprofit Traverse City Boom Boom Club to plan and pay for an annual Independence Day show.
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GT Road Commission won't renew Gillis' contract
Mary Gillis' bosses refused to renew her contract, so the Grand Traverse County Road Commission's manager has to figure out her next move.
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