Chris Jones [Student, Journalist]
To whom it may concern,
I am writing in hopes to receive a position or an internship on a publication staff. I strongly believe that my skills, acquired throughout my career in journalism, in the fields of writing, copy editing, and page design make me an excellent choice for any position on staff. As a member of the Andover High School Trojan Bluestreak, I had many responsibilities and positions throughout my tenure, such as news and sports writer, page designer, assistant sports editor, and during my senior year, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper. As editor, I was responsible for the entire process of creating the publication. My responsibilities as editor ranged from assigning stories to staff members, creating a budget, designing pages and helping others with their layouts, writing and editing stories, and making sure the publication is finished well and on time. Through my tenure on the publication staff, I became proficient in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, grew my skills in writing stories, and developed a passion for page design. I also developed leadership skills, and learned how to lead a large group through the process of creating a publication. I believe some of my biggest strengths include working in groups, taking criticism, and leading by example. Along with my experience on the high school newspaper, I also gained real-life experience as a journalist through working for the local paper: The Andover American. This opportunity gave me a brief glimpse into how a real news cycle works, and the skills and work ethic you must possess to strive as a journalist. This was a great opportunity for me, and I believe I learned a great deal from it that can help me in the future. I feel like, if given the opportunity, I could become a great asset to any publication staff. I have a true passion for journalism, I love coming up with new story and design ideas, and then executing them in the best way I possibly can. I hope to continue my passion in the field of journalism in the future, and hope I can display my talents and passion. Sincerely, Chris Jones
[ S t u d e n t , W r i t e r , D e s i g n e r ]
[CJ]
Chris Jones 2105 N Clear Creek Wichita, Kansas 67230 Phone: 316-737-4194 E-Mail: jones17@uoregon.edu
Objective Join a publication where I can use my skills and expand my knowledge in the field of journalism. Experience Editor-in-Chief of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Newsletter, Eugene OR •
Designed and helped produce the first ever parent and alumni newsletter for the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
Andover High Trojan Bluestreak Newspaper, Andover KS •
January 2009- May 2012
Co-Editor-in-Chief o
Responsible for the publication and staff. Developed the theme of monthly issues, assigned stories and pages to staff members, edited and made final selections for monthly content. Led staff meetings, designed pages and assisted others with their layouts and content.
Assistant Sports Editor
•
o
Helped plan sports stories for the upcoming issue, edited those stories, and helped with sport page layouts.
Staff Writer/Page Designer
•
o
Wrote over 40 sports, news and investigative stories and columns.
o
Designed over 50 pages for the monthly publication, helped plan countless more layouts for each issue, and made sure that those designs were executed.
Kids 4 Kids Charity Leadership Team, Andover KS •
December 2012-Present
2010- May 2012
Helped plan and execute several charity events in order to raise money and awareness for the Kids 4 Kids charity to help underprivileged children in the Wichita area
Education Andover High School, Andover, Kansas
2008-2012
University of Oregon
2012-Present
Skills Microsoft Office, Adobe® InDesign CS6, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Final Cut Pro Awards • • • •
One of two people out of hundreds to receive the Superior award for sports writing at the 2010 JEA (Journalism Education Association) National Convention write-off competition. Honorable Mention award for sports writing at the 2011 JEA National Convention Write off Competition. Trojan Bluestreak publication nominated for a 2011 Pacemaker Award. Participated in the News Design section at the KSPA state journalism competition.
Feb. 1, 2013
To Whom It May Concern:
I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Jones to become a member of your staff. I had the pleasure of serving as Chris’s teacher and publications adviser for more three years, and he served as the editor of the award-winning high school newspaper I adv¬¬ise when he was a senior. I worked closely with Chris in both a formal classroom setting and in more casual environments such as publications work nights and school trips. Having observed and interacted with Chris in these settings, I confidently can assure you of Chris’ incredible work ethic and journalistic aptitude.
Without a doubt, Chris is one of the most dedicated and reliable student journalists I ever had in class. He gives 100 percent to whatever task he undertakes. Due in part to Chris’ diligence in reporting and attention to detail, the newspaper he edited was named a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist in 2011, placing it among the best scholastic newspapers in the country. Chris spent countless hours in the newsroom, going above and beyond the call of duty. He was always available to improve the publication, correct errors or to help other staffers. In addition to his work ethic, I want to stress Chris’ journalistic aptitude. Chris is creative and a strong critical thinker. He is able to look at the big picture, and he easily identifies the best solution to problems. Chris has strong writing skills, and I am confident he will do well in his area of interest. Chris is well suited for the type of challenges and thinking that participating on a magazine staff has to offer, and he is ready to rise to the occasion.
Chris is a well-rounded student, and he is well liked by others due to his flexibility and wit. He leads by his positive example, and, in doing so, has developed into a strong and effective leader. He is a positive addition to any group of students, and he relates well to a variety of people because of his ability to see others’ perspectives. Summarily, Chris would be a very worthy addition to any magazine staff. Feel free to contact me for any additional information. Chris is among the top handful of students I have taught, and he deserves the chance to experience the best possible journalistic experiences during college. Sincerely,
Kristin L. Baker Journalism instructor Andover High School, Andover, Kan.
Design Samples
TTB the trojan bluestreak
Nintendo Wii Playstation Calculators Digital Camera
HDTV
Apple iPad
Apple iPhone Palm Pilot
DVD’s
Video Cameras
Xbox 360
1744 N. Andover Road. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 26 - Issue 4 Nov. 4, 2011
CD Player
Kindle
Nook
Flash Drives
Blackberry
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Photo by Jacob Highfill
news: thespians prepare for annual musical, ’Little Shop of Horrors.’ {pg. 3}
Advances in technology affect everyday life {pg. 15-18} in-depth: plagiarism becomes increasingly problematic due to technology. {pg. 20-21}
sports: girls’ golf places third at state tournament. {pg. 26}
ATHLETES AND
alcohol
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April 18, 2012
T
he morning alarm rings and Kate Smith* awakes in a daze. Her head hurts; she feels groggy, and dizzy and she cannot seem to focus on getting ready for morn-
ing practice. She is hungover. She forces herself to practice and just can not seem to fully participate in the activities. The physical strain of the practice is even more taxing for her depleted body. “I have participated in the use of alcohol during a sports season,” Kate Smith said. “I have also shown up at practice hungover because of it.” Society has placed several myths pertaining to high school athletes and the consumption of alcohol. Some assume athletes tend to avoid alcohol and other drugs because they are too involved in athletics and activities to participate in these illegal activities. The use of alcohol by minors has been a prominent issue in recent years, coming with numerous consequences and effects for the average high school student and helping destroy the myth of the common high school athlete. “During a sports season, I drink about once a week,” Jeremy White* said. “It definitely affects my athletic performance; it makes easy things tougher to do.” According to KidsHealth.org, 80 percent of high school students have experimented with alcohol use, with the effects including distorted vision, hearing and coordination, altered perceptions, impaired judgement and hangovers. Adding a strict sports-related workout regimen to these mentally and physically distorting effects can cause serious problems, if participation in alcohol related activities becomes routine. “You feel dizzy, nauseous, and shaky,” Smith said. “You can’t focus, you are light-headed and it definitely takes a toll during practices.” Being under the influence of a hangover, with its dizzying effects, can turn a regular high school athletic practice into a complete nightmare. “You constantly feel like you are going to throw up,” Smith said. “It is an absolutely horrible feeling to
“You just have to keep telling them the repercussions and hope and trust that they do what is best.” Lee said it is up to the students to gauge the risks of their actions and to decide what to do “Every student that participates in those types of activities runs the risk of getting caught,” Lee said. “They have the curiosity to experiment, you just have to believe they will do the right thing.” With a constant physical strain provided by being a high school athlete, involvement in alcohol related activities can take an increased toll on the student than that of a non-athlete. “Being an athlete is tough enough already, stuff like that just makes it worse,” Smith said. According to the American Athletic Institute, for a high school athlete, drinking to intoxication can negate the effect of as much as 14 days of physical training, training hormones are negated for up to 96 hours after intoxication, and reaction time can be slowed up even 12 hours after alcohol consumption. Constant use of alcohol can weaken an already vulnerable immune system, players who drink are twice as likely to become injured, and the residual effects associated with an alcoholic hangover can reduce the average athletic performance of a high school athlete by about 11.4 percent, according to the American Athletic Institute. Despite the consequences and obvious effects, these illegal activities still occur. “I don’t really take into the account the potential consequences,” Joe Ross said. “Unless I have practice the next morning I don’t really think about it.” “I regret it afterwards, but before that I don’t really think about it,” Smith said. If a student athlete shows up at practice hung over, the signs can be easily seen by coaches. “The coaches can really tell that something’s wrong,” Smith said. “They notice that you’re not giving it your all.” For high school athletes, the feeling of being put on a pedestal, or being held on a higher standard can take an affect on their decision. “Athletes are definitely held at a higher standard
80%
of high school students nationally have experimented with alcohol use, according to KidsHealth.org
alcohol related activities, even though he may be with people and friends who do. For him, his athletics and his team are more important to him than participating in these activities. Official athletic consequences for being caught participating in these illegal activities include suspension, and even being kicked off the team. According to the student handbook, punishment for a first offense can result in up to 90 days of suspension or expulsion for having alcohol on school grounds or at a school activity. Multiple offenses can result in harsher suspensions or even expulsion. Aside from being forced off the team for a game, or even an entire season due to being caught using alcohol, public perception is yet another consequence of these actions. “You are visibly out of competition, and everybody knows why,” Lee said. “Once that happens you put a label on yourself that stays there. It tarnishes your reputation.” Lee, however, believes today’s culture is to blame for the participation in these activities. “I don’t believe it is a distinction between athletes and non-athletes,” Lee said. “The culture of today sort of glorifies alcohol use and I believe thats why kids do it.” Smith does not believe that this problem is a school-wide issue. “Most people are too focused on athletics to participate in these activities,” Smith said. “I think it is just a group of people that do it and make other athletes
''you put a label on yourself'' experience.” Despite the dangers and consequences, the use of alcohol by minors and high school students has remained steady. It has become a social norm for high schoolers to consume alcohol and those who refrain from partaking in these illegal activities have become the vast minority. “All you can really do is remind them of the consequences of their actions,” head football coach Mike Lee said. “A majority of their lives are out of school and athletics; you can’t really monitor their outside lives.” Despite the problems that it causes for the team, containment of the problem is impossible. “You can’t really lock them up or constantly keep track of them; that would be impossible,” Lee said.
because they represent Andover High School,” Brett West said. “We are expected to act appropriately and we should.” “You’re always expected to be at your best,” Smith said. West, going against the trend, stays alcohol free during the sports season. “Using alcohol makes you lose focus,” West said. “In order to be at your best you have to take care of yourself.” For West, the consequences vastly outweigh participating in the illegal activities. “You can get suspended or even kicked off the team,” West said. “It’s not worth it.” While with friends, West refrains participating in
look bad.” For Lee, it all comes down to the choice of the student whether they will run the risk and accept the negative effects and consequences of the consumption of alcohol. “All the athletics and activities abide by the district handbook, and those rules are very strict about alcohol use,” Lee said. “It all comes down to the choice of the students.” *Editors Note: Student names have been changed from those interviewed in order for them to remain anonymous and to protect their identity. The Trojan
chrisJONES
April 18, 2012
25
*Regional Design that qualified me for the 2012 KSPA State Competition.
TTB the trojan bluestreak
1744 N. Andover Road. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 26 - Issue 6 Feb. 13, 2012
THE YOUTH VOTE you
Staff, eligible students prepare for upcoming election {pg 16-19}
news: community comes together to support Pucket family during time of need{pg. 4-5}
feature: freshmen combines love of rap and poetry skills {pg. 12}
sports: boys basketball looks to build off exciting win as rival game approaches {pg. 23}
Beginning to
Bloom
Warmer days lead to anticipated beauty of Botanica Gardens Botanica Gardens, run almost completely by volunteers, is filled with over nine acres of gardens that contain over 3600 species of plants. “Our busiest season is April to October. With specials events, wedding, festivals, concerts and just regular admission days we are swamped when the sun is shining,” Botanica Garden’s events coordinator, Gabby Brandt said. On any average summer day, Botanica can have as many as 500 people people wander through the gardens. “The biggest event that Botanica hosts is our Illuminations event. This past year, it was reinvented to include 700,000 lights in additions to the 5,000 luminaries lit in all of our themed gardens,” Brandt said. During the Illuminations, over 35,000 people went through the gardens. That is over one third of the population of Wichita. “Christmas was a good time to go because of all the different light shows were pretty and the gardens looked awesome all lit up,” junior Alexa Oliphant said. In 1987, Botanica was officially opened to the public. The gardens stared with a group of gardens and garden clubs along with the City of Wichita,” Botanica Garden’s executive director, Marty Miller said. Botanica is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. According to www.botanica.org, the gardens have expanded from four in the beginning to now 24 themed gardens and exhibits. “All of the different gardens were really interesting and cool,” sophomore Morgan Trekell said. Currently Botanica’s main attraction is the Downing Children’s Garden. “From the giant caterpillars and monster woods, to rainbow trails, a musical maze and fossils, the Children’s Garden strives to provide an educational, imaginative and interactive environment where kids can enjoy, explore and discover our natural world,” Brandt said. People enjoy the gardens because they have a calm and quiet effect on them. “I went when I was a little bit younger and I liked the peaceful feeling as I walked through and looked at all the pretty flowers,” Trekell said.
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March 12, 2012
Botanica is mainly run by volunteers and is a great place to receive community service hours. “On a daily basis, we have a circulation of 350 volunteers that help with maintaining the gardens, admissions, and helping with special events,” Brandt said. Volunteers must complete a short application and then are encouraged to meet with the director of volunteers, Jodi McArthur. “In 25 years of operation, we have had hundreds of volunteers with close to one million hours of service,” Botanica’s director of volunteer services Jobi McArthur said. Free admission at the gardens while volunteering is just one of the many reasons why students should volunteer at Botanica. “Learning interesting facts and developing skills with our plants and butterflies, meeting fascinating people from our community and around the world, and gaining the satisfaction of being an active participant in improving and growing one of the area’s major cultural attractions are all reasons why people should volunteer at Botanica,” McArthur said. The Botanica volunteer program offers many different opportunities to meet the needs and interests of everyone. “There is no plae more beautiful to work or volunteer than Botanica and there is always something new to see or do,” McArthur said. Admission into Botanica is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens or military personnel, $5 for youth, and children two and under get in for free. The gardens are open year-round and repeat visits make for a surprise everytime because the gardens change with season. “All the different flowers made the gardens interesting and fun,” sophomore Meghan Regehr said. Over 43,000 tulip bulbs and 62,000 daffodil bulbs bloom with an assortment of other flower bloom in the spring. Botanica gardens has many different attractions and exhibits to offer people. “There was a lot of stuff to do. The winter was a really fun time to go,” Regehr said.
stephanieMUNSON
Purple flowers growing in one of the gardens at Botanica. Botanica gardens grows a variety of flowers in its multiple gardens. Photo by Stephanie Munson
A catepillar statue stands in the Downing Children’s Garden at Botanica. A number of statues stand in the garden. Photo by Stephanie Munson
A flower blooming in one of the gardens at Botanica. Botanica Gardens is located at 701 Amidon St. in Downtown Wichita. Photo by Stephanie Munson
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March 12, 2012