Media Makers stamp their mark on RDC, community
- Shanda Crosby
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
BY KARLEE GRAY
GRC Senior/CCPS Student Production Team
Every school has unique ways students can express themselves, but Robert D. Campbell Junior High has made it easy for students to make their mark on the school community.
Media Makers is an elective class at RDC that teaches students about journalism while also allowing students to have a creative outlet.
“Journalism is an avenue for communication and knowing your community, which is so important to have,” said Melissa Hounshell, creator and teacher of the class. “While journalism has changed a lot, what I am trying to do is instill in young people that it still matters.”
Ms. Hounshell started as an instructional assistant at RDC before becoming a full time teacher.
“It was my foot in the door to see how I felt about being in a school building after a long career in TV journalism,” she said.
During her time as an instructional assistant and with the help of her background in journalism, she originally created Media Makers as a school club.
“We only had a handful of students in the club at first,” said Ms. Hounshell. “We now have five periods and the kids are enjoying coming up with new things every week.”
In the class, students learn the basics of journalism and create projects with their knowledge. Some of their projects include their online school newspaper, RDC FLYers, and their weekly news broadcast.
“I love getting to interview people for the class and meeting so many different people through that,” said 7th grader Nathan Lewis.
The class broadens its topics beyond the basics of journalism and into skills students need in life.
“Media Makers helps them gain real life skills,” said Ms. Hounshell. “They have learned basic things they need, such as how to give a proper handshake, how to introduce themselves to someone, and overall how to make a good first impression.”
The effectiveness of the class has already been seen clearly throughout the school.
“Since launching Media Makers, we’ve seen an incredible positive impact on both our students and our school culture,” said RDC Principal Tiffany Smith. “The program has given students a platform to share stories, celebrate achievements, and highlight important events, helping everyone feel more connected and informed.”
The impact of Media Makers’ work reaches beyond the school walls.
“For the wider school community, Media Makers has fostered a stronger sense of pride and engagement,” Ms. Smith said. “Our school families and stakeholders now have a vibrant way to see the great things happening across campus, building a culture of inclusion, recognition, and school spirit.”
While building school and community connections, the Media Makers students have gained experience and skills that will help them far beyond journalism.
“I’ve learned a lot about confidence and respect that has helped me outside of the class,” said 8th grade student Myia Willoughby.
This new elective class has already positively impacted everyone in it and it’s just getting started.
“I talk about two main things all the time and that is confidence and communication,” said Ms. Hounshell. “Even if the students do not choose to do anything in journalism, if they can leave RDC with improved confidence and improved communication, my job is done.”
Media Makers featured on Fox56 with DeAnn Stephens
