<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4HhJmD_1FPCesVY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4HhJmD_1FPCesVY00" width="1200" height="800" >Neshoba Central High School Multimedia students are discovering interests they didn’t know they had, such as a printed newspaper.Multimedia is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program located on the main campus that offers elective courses taught by instructors Kellie Penson and Shannon Broom.Second-year students in Penson’s digital design class have recently launched a new student newspaper, Rocket Press.Penson said the idea for Rocket Press came about last year during her first year teaching at Neshoba Central.“We put our first issue out in May,” she said. “It was just a test run to see, can we do this? Can we make this happen? And they exceeded all my expectations.”Rocket Press has published two issues, with a third scheduled for release soon.The newspaper is currently published monthly, with copies printed on standard copy paper and distributed throughout the school district, including at the Neshoba Central Workforce Launch Site. The school also shares a digital version through its media outlets.Twenty students from grades 10-12 currently work on Rocket Press. They hold positions such as editor-in-chief, projects manager, staff writers, athletic staff writers, graphic designers, photographers, business manager, digital editor, print editor, and social media manager.Students often take on more than one role, allowing them to learn different aspects of producing the publication.Rocket Press has covered a variety of school-related topics, such as student life, athletics, new staff members, CTE programs, changes affecting students, and more.The first issue included a story highlighting Jason Gentry’s impact during his eight years as high school principal. Other coverage has featured the new girls flag football team, student council, the school’s new cell phone policy, and upcoming events.Penson said the goal is to show students, parents, and the community what is happening at Neshoba Central beyond the traditional classroom.“We want to show them all the cool things that these students are doing every day in school,” she said.Editor-in-Chief Hattie McLain said the newspaper has helped her become more comfortable communicating with others and working as part of a team.“What really made me get involved was Mrs. Penson,” McLain said. “She makes everyone feel welcome and feel that they always can do their best.”McLain plans to pursue graphic design after high school.Athletic Staff Writer and Photographer Joslen Wells said the program has offered her a chance to get involved in extracurricular activities.“If you don’t play a sport, there’s still a lot of things that you can fit into,” Wells said. “I’m proud of our articles because the whole school gets to see it. That’s really cool.”Her favorite part of the newspaper has been taking photos and writing. One of her favorite stories focused on renovations to the school’s football field and track.Wells plans to pursue nursing but wants to keep photography and video production as a hobby.Central Design Projects Manager Alexis Atwood said she joined the multimedia class somewhat by accident.“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in school, so they put me in here,” Atwood said. “It’s actually the best thing that they did because this class has set me up for a great future.”Atwood has learned photography and digital design skills. She said those skills have already opened the door to future educational and career opportunities.She enjoyed writing about Neshoba Central’s cheerleading team after it won back-to-back national championships.“It was really good that I got to write it because I was a part of that,” Atwood said.Atwood plans to pursue digital design and marketing after high school.Social Media Manager Maggie Edwards said the program has given her a chance to work with classmates to create something new for the school.“My favorite part about it is getting to work with everybody,” Edwards said.Edwards has learned how to gather information, incorporate it into videos, and edit content. She is also interested in photography.Business Manager Emma McDonald said the Rocket Press staff has become a close-knit group.“The staff is like a family, and Mrs. Penson’s like our mom,” McDonald said. “We all help each other if there’s a problem and encourage each other to continue growing.”McDonald has learned how to take professional photos and create graphics. She is interested in digital marketing and plans to pursue a career in the field.Photographer Khloe Anthony said she has enjoyed getting to know her classmates.“My favorite thing about it is just getting to know these people, what their interests are, and what they want to do with life,” Anthony said. “I love making connections with people.”Anthony enjoys photographing football games and editing photos. While she hopes to pursue a career in pediatric oncology nursing, she could see herself doing photography as a side job.Rocket Press is one part of Neshoba Central’s broader Multimedia Program, which includes two pathways: Penson’s digital design class and Broom’s digital video production and broadcasting class.At the new multimedia center, housed in the former band hall, students have access to a larger space designed for their work. The center includes a photography studio, storage and work rooms, two classrooms, a news broadcasting room with a green screen, and an equipment room. A podcasting room is also planned, pending additional funding.Students have used their skills on projects beyond Rocket Press. They designed homecoming flyers, created a large backdrop for the school’s football media day, and worked on photography and graphic design projects for the school.Penson said students will complete a capstone project to develop a marketing kit and brand board for an existing business or a business they create themselves.Students will leave the program with portfolios showcasing their photography, graphic design, and writing work, along with experience they can include on resumes.“I hope that we’re building a place for students who haven’t found their thing yet,” Penson said. “I hope that it’s a launch pad for their future.”As Rocket Press continues to grow, Penson plans to eventually produce a traditional printed newspaper like the Democrat.For now, she is focused on continuing to build her students’ skills and allowing them to take ownership of their work.“I hope they take a sense of pride in what they accomplish here and have confidence in their ability,” Penson said. “Because they’re all amazing, and they’re all capable.”</div></body>

Block Source: Neshoba Democrat

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Neshoba Central High School Multimedia students are discovering interests they didn’t know they had, such as a printed newspaper. Multimedia is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program located on the main campus that offers elective courses taught by instructors Kellie Penson and Shannon Broom. Second-year students in Penson’s...

Neshoba Central students launch 'Rocket Press,' a printed newspaper

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Neshoba Central High School Multimedia students are discovering interests they didn’t know they had, such as a printed newspaper. Multimedia is a Career an

Neshoba Central students launch 'Rocket Press,' a printed newspaper

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