Hazelwood West High Journalists Say Farewell to their Senior Peers

When my sister Breanna, a sophomore, invited me to attend her journalism banquet Monday night, I felt two things: pride and a bit nostalgic.

I was very much proud of the fact that she was following in my high school foot print by actively participating in the school's journalism program. At the same time, the memories from my days as an editor of the Hazelwood West Gazette and staff writer for the Focus yearbook began playing in my head.

Back in 2001, I felt pretty cool with my reporter's notebook and editor's pass being able to walk around the school and pull students out of class when necessary for interviews. In the hierarchy of high school, I felt I was the upper echelon of student power.

As I look back at it now, I have to laugh at just how silly that mind-frame was. I can imagine that character in a high school movie acting that way and quickly learning the truth. But hey, it was fun.

So back to the present and Monday's banquet. About 50 journalism students and parents, along with journalism instructors Chris Holmes and Douglas Jameson gathered and had good food and fun. Immediately after the feast came the entertainment as this was not your typical journalism banquet and awards ceremony.

Holmes handed out journalism awards to students in a comedic roast format. If you've ever watch Comedy Central, you know how fun a roast can be. And the parents enjoyed it just as much as the students.

Awards ranged from "Most Dedicated to Undercover Reporting" to the "No You Didn't Award" to the "I Didn't Know You Were In This Class." And yes, as interesting as the awards sound, as Holmes explained the premise behind them, each award made sense. A bit embarrassed, as most high school seniors are, each of the more than 20 recipients gladly accepted their honors.

The good thing about this night was that fact that parents had the opportunity to see camaraderie amongst high school students, as well as what it means for a class to come together and become a true "Journalism Family."

And at the end of a very touching photo slide-show that Holmes put together not only to say goodbye to the seniors in the class that will be moving on to college next year, but to express his appreciation for his students, he said one thing--thank you.

"This is more like a family than I've ever had," he said.

And with that I say congrats to all of Hazelwood West's high school journalists and writers. If you ever want to !