March 18, 2008 – Eight members of Duanesburg High School’s student newspaper, The Eagle’s Eye, will get a close-up look at journalism produced by their peers nationwide and learn first-hand from seasoned professionals during the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s upcoming spring convention at Columbia University.

“I’m really excited,” said English teacher and newspaper adviser Thomas Reiter. “While a teacher at La Salle Institute in Troy, I attended this convention several times and always found it extremely worthwhile.”
 
More than 300 sessions offer student journalists and their adviser’s hands-on workshops, networking opportunities and a variety of courses ranging from essential interviewing techniques to writing headlines and designing layouts with eye-catching appeal.

“I want to concentrate on software presentations that will help me change the format of The Eagle’s Eye to a real tabloid paper on newsprint,” said Reiter.

Junior Chris Hyrny is looking forward to hearing the speakers, many of whom are traveling across the country to offer their expertise on newspapers, magazines, yearbooks and broadcast journalism.

“I want to become a better sports writer,” said junior Steven Karandy, who is considering a journalism career. “Columbia University is a great college for journalism.”

Prior to the convention, the group will work out a schedule to determine who’s going where in order to cover as many areas as possible.

“Hopefully, the things we learn will help us produce a better paper,” said Reiter. “Our goal is to make a good product for people in the community.”

While in the Big Apple, students will also get to experience the life and culture of New York City—taking the subway, dining in Times Square and the Ivy League cafeteria, attending the Broadway play, Avenue Q, and even doing a little sightseeing.

“I’ve never been to a Broadway play, so I’m pretty excited,” said Hyrny.

“It’s a really neat experience for the students,” said Reiter, “especially for those who have never been to New York City.”

Student representatives include senior Stephanie Holt, juniors Colby Hochmuth, Chris Hyrny, Tiffany Santulli, John David Iseman and Steven Karandy, as well as freshmen Nora Kanarkiewicz and Caitlin McKinley.

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