You have a voice, so make it heard. That is the founding principle behind student journalism. Following this notion (and Constitutional right), a school newspaper should give all students an equal opportunity to share their opinion in an open, unbiased forum of discussion.

    At Wichita Collegiate, the college preparatory school I attend, I am confident that a newspaper would be a real representation not just of the most talented, inspired students, but of the student body as a whole. Having attended this school since kindergarten, I am still amazed at how well-rounded even the average student is here: athletes audition for musicals, honor scholars volunteer in the community, musicians compete on the robotics team, and every student is educated with strong emphasis on global awareness. With such a wide range of student interests, a Collegiate newspaper would thoroughly cover all issues political, social, local, and global in nature.

    In my mind, a successful school paper serves as the "pulse" of the students: an outsider should be able to read one edition and know what issues currently matter most to the student body. I pledge to take ownership of our paper in order to jumpstart that pulse, then pass it along into the hands of the student body where it belongs. All students and teachers would be encouraged to contribute original content, while a staff of dedicated journalism students interested in further study of print media would manage editorial responsibilities.

    Unfortunately, my generation as a whole is plagued with apathy. But the fact of the matter is, we will inherit global affairs before long. Without leaders to kindle passions, we will forever be remembered as the silent generation. And while a school newspaper may seem trifling in the greater scheme of things, it takes but one voice to break that silence.