By Madison Boggs | The Yellow Jacket student publication has been running for many years, but this year is special for many reasons.
It is The Yellow Jacket’s first all-female staff.
Communication Department Chair Dr. Julie Welker said, “Having an all-female newspaper staff has been a fun experience. These young ladies are hard workers and have managed to develop great content for both our online newspaper and our news magazine. I’m proud of the work they’ve put in this semester!”
The newspaper staff meetings started small, but over the semester the group has fully come together, and they have combined their talents to produce articles for our online newspaper and magazine.
“I am super excited for an all-female Yellow Jacket staff! You typically do not see an all-female staff often, but it shows students how empowering women are and how extremely talented we are. It lets us showcase each of our talents in a unique way,” Writer Bailey Farmer said.
Staff Writer Mia Romero added, “Everyone is super open and welcome to innovative ideas. No one hesitates to pitch in an idea or lend a hand with stories, topics, or tips. With everyone being female, it’s even better because each one gets along so well and has a great friendship.”
An all-female staff has been something this year’s staff has been excited about. But with it being the first, a lot of growth takes place.
“Even though this is my first semester as part of The Yellow Jacket, I could tell there was a little bit of growing pain at the beginning of the semester. We had a few new writers and a couple of great students graduate last semester. Like with any new season of a sport or other activity, the team must adjust to everyone. I am proud to say that all of us really came together and formed a unique bond that has helped us get through the tough parts of this semester. I am honored to be a part of such an incredible group of women,” stated Staff Writer Madison Boggs.
The Yellow Jacket staff is currently working on their stories and layouts for their semester print magazine.
“We all are extremely excited about this semester’s magazine production, and I love having everyone’s input and seeing different ideas come together. The cohesive aesthetic is really going to make the magazine pop! These girls have been working to create the best articles and layouts for this volume. I’m excited to see our results,” Editor in Chief Mackynlie Conklin said.
Not only do the staff get to work together, but they have been able to create some great friendships.
“I feel like working with an all-female newspaper, everyone works so well together. We all know each other and mesh well together. When it comes to claiming stories, we know who is good for certain topics or writing styles and let them know they would be best for that story,” said Deputy Editor Jordan Givens.
Chief Photo Editor Bri Davis added, “I joined the Yellow Jacket after I left the softball team and being a part of the newspaper helped me get through a time when I was really struggling. When Dr. Welker took over, there was a new energy, and you could tell how much she cared about the newspaper and the staff. I am not looking forward to letting this part of my life go when I graduate.”
The Yellow Jacket staff is currently working on its semester print magazine. It is set to be released in late November.