I teach English at Eastern High School in NE Washington, DC. It has been 10 years since we have had a school newspaper. In Technical Writing, an elective for students in grades 9-12, we have been working on bringing back this school tradition while developing reading and writing skills. Students brainstorm and select their topics, conduct research and interviews, write, and revise their articles. As schools are currently grappling with the realities of AI, this project helps make sure students get back to the basics of reading, writing, and critical thinking. We have also partnered with the Washington Association of Black Journalists so students can learn from experts in the field.

We have written and published our first edition of "The Easterner" and students are currently working on articles for our second edition! Our journalists have absolutely loved seeing their names in print! And members of the school community (both students and staff) have been eager to get a copy and read the articles. I am seeking funding for the printing of the second and third editions (to be printed in May and June). Article topics for our next edition range from police brutality to the Eastern flag football team to mental health in teenagers. Since I do not have funds from my school, I am relying 100% on donations to print these papers and complete this initiative. Thank you for your support.