Smith School, TST BOCES, November 14, 2023 — The Smith School Times, a student-run newspaper led by editors Jennifer Merkle and Sherri Bickal, Teacher and Teaching Assistant from Turning Point High School, is celebrating its third year under their leadership with a rich history, creativity, advocacy, and growth. Merkle and Bickal took-over as editors during the challenging COVID year, despite that, the monthly publication of The Smith School Times has transformed into a dynamic platform for students to express themselves, advocate for change, and explore their passions.
To capture the essence of this journey, we interviewed four individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the newspaper—two alumni who launched the paper during its inaugural year, under Merkle and Bickal, and have since graduated, and two current students who continue to contribute their voices to this dynamic publication.
Alumnus Spotlight: Jonathyn Thornton, Class of 2021
Jonathyn Thornton, one of the founders of The Smith School Times under Merkle and Bickal, reminisces about the challenges and triumphs of the paper's first year, which unfolded amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. With only four members on the team, they navigated the complexities of virtual and in-person collaboration. Despite the hurdles, the inaugural team's creative spirit thrived as they decided to give each publication a theme, such as dedicating an entire issue to reviewing the first season of 'The Mandalorian.'
A highlight of Jonathyn's tenure was the April Fools parody issue. This issue in particular allowed the newspaper team to unleash their creativity and humor, and Jonathyn took full advantage of the opportunity to craft outlandish and entertaining stories that left a lasting impact on the school community.
One of the highlights of Jonathyn's contributions to the April Fools Parody Edition was his imaginative take on a new Smith School course catalog. In a whimsical twist, the course catalog proposed British English as a formal class, delving into the linguistic nuances and quirks of the language across the pond. The absurdity continued with the suggestion of a class on medieval torture and even an "Advanced Placement Calculus."
Jonathyn's creativity reached new heights as his parody course catalog cited a boost in funds which allowed for beloved Physical Education Teacher, Mr. Fey, to focus on teaching ballet to the students, promising them that they would be ready to perform the Nutcracker by the holiday season! Jonathyn didn't stop there, he included Mr. Collins, the music teacher, in on the fun and the catalog cited a Rock and Roll bands ban to make room for the more wholesome, and easy-listening Jazz Band!
The April Fools parody issue included a class dedicated to the Shakespeare histories and tragedies, injecting a dose of literary humor into the mix. The response from readers on April Fool's Day was nothing short of delightful confusion and amusement. Jonathyn recounts that people couldn't help but wonder, "Who came up with these ideas?" The absurdity and wit embedded in the issue's stories became a running joke throughout the school year, and left a lasting impression on fellow classmates and teachers. Poor Mr. Fey is still being hounded to teach those ballet classes! "Give the people what they want," encouraged Thornton, with a laugh.
As Jonathyn pursues his studies at TC3 with aspirations of becoming an adolescent educator in history, Jonathyn credits his experience as a journalist for the Smith School Times with refining his funny, creative side, enhancing his skills as a writer, and instilling in him the art of engaging a broader audience.
Alumnus Spotlight: Sebastian Aceto, Class of 2023
Sebastian Aceto, a 2023 graduate, had a passion for photography when he first started working on the paper in its inaugural year, 2020. His favorite aspect of contributing to The Smith School Times was capturing moments through his lens, allowing him to visually tell stories that resonated with the student body. However, Sebastian's involvement transcended the visual, as he discovered a new passion—teaching others about survival skills.
Taking from Bear Grylls's playbook, Sebastian wrote about survival tips and outdoor adventure. Through this, his journalism lens shifted to advocacy and in his later years of working on the paper, his works were dedicated to advocating for change for the greater good. His favorite pieces delved into the importance of slowing down the speed limit around town, emphasizing the safety of students crossing roads. His call to action extended beyond the paper, urging people to become aware of their surroundings and help others when they see someone in need of assistance. This was evident in his piece calling for students to shovel sidewalks and drawing attention to issues in common areas. Sebastian's writing became a powerful tool for effecting change within the community.
Jennifer Merkle, Sebastian's teacher, noted with pride the transformation she witnessed in him. Sebastian not only blossomed as a writer but also evolved into an advocate for his passions and a champion for making the community a better place. Merkle highlights how Sebastian's commitment to using his voice to address issues and bring about positive change is a testament to the impact that student-led initiatives, like The Smith School Times, can have on shaping responsible and engaged citizens.
Current Contributor: Chloe Weber
Chloe Weber, now in her third year with The Smith School Times, brings a unique blend of artistic talent and literary prowess to the publication. From drawing animals and people to creating visuals for themed editions, Chloe's contribution extends beyond the written word. Her exploration of poetry, connection with Mrs. Nielsen and the Snack Shack, and focus on covering on-campus events showcase her multifaceted approach to journalism. Chloe also highlights the social growth she's experienced, attributing it to her involvement with the paper. Chloe started working on the paper in 10th grade and said, "the paper has made me be more social. Since I have to interview others and approach my classmates about topics for the paper, I've had to go outside of my comfort zone and I've gained social skills."
Current Contributor: Issiaih Weeks
In his first year with The Smith School Times, Issiaih has already made an impact by bringing a fresh perspective to the paper. Issiaih recently conducted an interview with his former teacher, Ms. Riker, and her current students for a full circle moment. Issiaih asked his former teacher about the school philosophy and her classroom philosophy, specifically about how we at Smith School, welcome new people to our spaces and make them feel accepted. Issiaih was impressed with the students' answers which ranged from touring new students around our campus, holding the door open for them, and going out of our way to be nice to them.
Issiaih hopes to continue working on the Smith School Times and has some unreported interests that you can expect to be covered in the coming issues. His passion for cooking, recipes, and being enrolled in food service aligns with his future goals of showcasing the diverse talents and opportunities within the TST BOCES school community.
Editor's Perspective: Jennifer Merkle
"When offered the role of newspaper editors, Sherri and I used it to infuse project-based learning into our students' school experience. A student newspaper is the ultimate way to walk the walk of student choice and student voice. We have been blown away by the student response, speaking to the power of student choice and student voice. When students explore what they are passionate about, and their opinions and ideas are honored, engagement in writing, researching, and connecting with others around the school skyrockets," says Merkle.
"The best part of this job is watching each new school year group shape the paper. My first-year group were straight-up reporters, creating feature stories, news pieces, promotional stories, opinion pieces, etc. The next year was a bunch of creatives, and the paper became a way for them to express themselves through art and storytelling. This year, students are reaching out to others, not only creating content but also collecting content from their peers and classes. This evolution reflects the power of a student-led initiative in fostering creativity, advocacy, and personal growth within the school community," stated Merkle.
As The Smith School Times enters its fourth year with Merkle and Bickal as editors, the legacy of these students and the countless others who have contributed to its pages continues to evolve. The newspaper serves not only as a reflection of the student body but also as a testament to the power of student-led initiatives in empowering students to voice their opinions, share their stories, and make a positive impact on their school and beyond.
To read the current issue of The Smith School Times and explore archived editions, visit The Smith School Times Website.