Resurrected Port Chester Student Newspaper Earns Attention From Albany

PORT CHESTER, NY — After more than a decade-long hiatus, Port Chester high School students once again have an intrepid team of reporters covering the news that matters most to the student body.

In recognition of their impressive accomplishments, lawmakers treated the teenage members of the fourth estate to special access in the state capital.

New York State Senator Shelley Mayer welcomed the staff of the Port Chester High School newspaper, The Port Light, to Albany. After more than 10 years without a student newspaper, Port Chester High School students now have access to an online version of The Port Light, thanks to the efforts of current Editor-in-Chief Shirley Guzman and her staff, who are credited with recognizing the need for a student voice on issues both local and global.

"I am very happy the staff of The Port Light was able to visit Albany today," Mayer said, "At a time when we are losing so many local news sources, these students prove there is both a need and future for strong, independent journalism. The staff of The Port Light is a remarkable group of students who have worked hard to resurrect their paper after a decade. These students are a tremendous example of what students can accomplish when given the opportunity and when they are supported by faculty that encourage creativity and individualism. Robust high school programs, particularly student newspapers, encourage confidence and leadership. I am impressed with the immense dedication and determination the Port Chester students have shown."

SEE ALSO: Port Chester HS Students Resurrect School Newspaper After A Decade

In addition to topics of immediate interest to Port Chester High School, the all-student staff covers national politics, world news, pro sports, and arts and entertainment.

Faculty advisors, Justin Thomas and Aaron Glazer, give full credit to this group of highly motivated and engaged students for bringing The Port Light back to life after such a long hiatus.

"This newspaper does not exist without our amazingly talented, dedicated and wonderful students," English teacher Justin Thomas, who co-advises the club with fellow teacher Aaron Glazer, said. "They are such strong, entertaining writers with brilliant, gripping minds and voices. It is my genuine pleasure to work with them and have wonderful, meaningful discussions. It’s such a fun newsroom to be a part of, and they all play a key role in establishing that environment."

Thomas credited student Shirley Guzman, who serves as the editor-in-chief, for reviving the newspaper with her "vision, determination and leadership." In addition to Guzman, each of the student leaders – Thomas D’Esperies, Sophia Ortiz-Heaney, Michelle Ramos-Aragon and Kathleen Scarola – as well as all the student writers and photographers, have been integral to the successful resurrection of The Port Light, according to Thomas.

"What stands out to me the most is how informed and brilliant our students are," Thomas said. "Their voices are truly special and deserve to be heard by all audiences. These students are all so intelligent and have so many important thoughts and opinions on life, both inside and outside of school, and they’re motivated to share those voices with the world. It is an honor and a privilege to help facilitate that expression."

Students met with state legislators, including NYS Sen. Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, and State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who sponsors bill S. 647. This legislation would extend and protect freedom of speech and the press in school-sponsored newspapers.

"As editor in chief and founder of The Port Light, I am very proud to see how far we have come as a group to have this opportunity," Guzman said. "I know I speak for everyone when I say that being part of the newspaper this year has been extremely rewarding as we see how our hard work is impacting our community in a positive way. We are looking forward to seeing how The Port Light continues to grow and create change."