POWER OF WORDS
High School Journalism Collaborative
By Kristen Walsh
High school senior Nola Minogue says she is passionate about using writing and words to help people. The New England High School Journalism Collaborative (NEHSJC) held virtually in June 2020 was a great opportunity for her to pursue that dream. The program, which just completed its 33rd year, introduces high school participants to the field of journalism through workshops and programs, including working directly with professional reporters, photographers, and editors.
“I learned how to properly format a news article, and the differences between writing news articles and essays for school,” Minogue says. “My favorite part of the program was the hands-on learning about the news industry and what it’s like to be a writer for an established paper. My school newspaper has no funds, half a dozen staff members, and limited recognition within my school. It was the first time I felt truly supported
writing and could have my work edited by Boston Globe editors.”
The workshop was co-founded in 1987 and directed by the late Carole Bocasky Remick ’54, who once declared, “Regardless of color, creed, or nationality, this program will continue to serve as a platform for students from many communities so that all different cultures will be represented in the media.”
According to Colleen Malachowski, PhD, associate professor of communication and Regis’ Carole Remick Endowed Director in Communication, Remick’s legacy “is always tied into the program in special ways.” For example, Remick introduced a welcome package for students that includes a Starbucks gift card, and that tradition lives on today.
“This year, the Remick Foundation gave a college scholarship to an outstanding high school senior in the program at the closing banquet. This new scholarship will help this student to start their college career, especially in a time of crisis,” Malachowski says.
Though the collaborative is typically held on the Regis campus for one week during the summer, this year’s program was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily Zoom sessions included topics such as journalism 101, photojournalism, sports journalism, multimedia journalism, and journalism on Facebook. Students also worked independently on their stories and interviews. During the evening, resident assistants from different schools in the Northeast met with the students via Zoom for some fun time, games, and discussions, while their stories were edited by teachers and Boston Globe members.
“Although the virtual format did not allow students to bond and connect as much as usual, it did improve our final digital newspaper, as all stories required a digital component,” Malachowski says. “The virtual format really helped us to advance our program into the future by allow-ing us to experiment with different digital platforms.”
“Whatever I end up doing, it will most likely revolve around writing and research and helping people,” Minogue says. “After college, I plan on attending law school, and beyond that, hopefully going into immigration law. I’m first-generation American, and I saw the differences between my mother getting her U.S. citizenship as a white woman from France, and several of her coworkers and friends—most from Brazil—having to jump through so many hoops to get theirs. It’s not fair, and I hope to help those at a disadvantage in our immigration system.”
Carole Bocasky Remick ’54
FELLOWS IN JOURNALISM
In August 2020, Regis announced a $40,000 gift from the Carole Remick Charitable Foundation that will provide financial support for students pursuing a career in journalism. Additionally, the Foundation has given $5,000 to create an emergency transportation fund for Regis students—a cause near and dear to Remick.
The Carole Bocasky Remick ’54 Fellows in Journalism will support students majoring in communication and interested in journalism. A selection committee comprised of Regis College Student Affairs staff and faculty in the Marshall M. Sloane School of Business and Communication named four students as fellows for the 2020-2021 academic year. Remick fellows will immerse themselves in the field and explore reporting and storytelling across platforms in the media landscape.
As part of the Now We Fly campaign, the Remick Foundation established the Carole Remick Endowed Director in Communication in Regis’ Sloane School, a position held by Associate Professor of Communication Colleen Malachowski, PhD. “The Foundation’s investment in journalism, communication, and writing is critical during this time of social unrest, when these skills are needed more than ever,” says Malachowski.
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