Student story: Experienced campers come back for more

By Gallagher Martin-Chavez/Advanced Writing

A few seniors at Flint Hills Publications Workshop haven’t just heard the saying “practice makes perfect” -- they exhibit it.

For seniors who have been lucky enough to come to the workshop for three years, they’ve grasped a diverse understanding of journalism.

“I’ve learned writing and designing skills and the purpose of journalism,” said Rachel Walker, a senior from Kapaun Mt. Carmel, who is taking Advanced Redesign for Newspaper. “A lot of journalists are alike.”

Whether students are in newspaper or yearbook, they benefit from the experience and hands-on training that comes with extra help during the summer.

“I’ve gotten way better at designing, being professional and meeting deadlines,” Walker said.

Finding easier ways to complete projects are just some of the benefit of camp.

“I didn’t know some of the things like auto save, but now I’ve learned shortcuts,” said Paige Black, a student from Central High School who is taking Advance Redesign for Yearbook.

Many times in yearbook, students find the need to go with flow. Alex Seimecca, a senior from Blue Valley Northwest, understands that changes are going to be made because in a world where appearance is essential, finding that right look is critical.

“Magazine looks are becoming more popular and the cover is becoming non-traditional, which is good,” Seimecca said.   

Seimecca understands it’s all about the reader. The reader is the person who is going to judge it. The reader is the one who is going to buy the yearbook, and the reader is the one who students have to remember.

“Less is more,” Seimecca said. “If you keep it simple, it helps the reader.”