Aiden Lupian - Writer
I am a writer for the Arts and Entertainment section and I like to cover stories about Redwoods Visual and Performing Arts, and the occasional teacher or student that really sticks from the rest. I've learned that the people of Redwood have lots of things to say and we are the outlet they use. My work is important because it helps the people of Redwood learn more about a specific group or specific individual. I'm proud that I was able to let students of Redwood share their thoughts with everyone not only in Visalia, but outside of it as well.
Semester 1 Stories
RHS Band: How Band Students feel about this year's show
This story covers how the band students feel about their marching band show titled "Aquarium". This show was a big change for the band so, each student had interesting opinions that made for a really good story not only to read, but to write as well. This story highlights my good interviewing skills, the students interviewed were able to touch on all the bases of the show and I was really able to understand how much they were motivated to make the season great.
This story matters because it gives the band students a chance to tell Redwood how proud they are and the show is worth the watch. It also matters because now the people of Redwood can maybe better appreciate their marching band. This story impacts the band students because they now have more coverage which would then lead to more people coming out and supporting them. Our readers now know more about their Ranger Band and their success.
Woodbury's Wonders
This story is about Redwood's very own Mr. Woodbury and how his classroom is filled with many unique items. His room is really one to remember so it made for a pretty interesting story. This story shows my good writing skills as I was able to fully explain what each item was and how it became an iconic item in Woodburys room.
This story matters because teachers dont really get a lot of coverage and are often looked over. So, by making this story I was able to show the students of Redwood just how cool a teacher can be. This story impacted the students of Redwood because they learn that teachers care about their classrooms and having fun.
Band Seniors reflect on their last Winter Concert
This story covers how the band students who are a part of the class of '23 feel about thier last winter concert here at Redwood. Its a very bittersweet feeling for most that were interviewed and the story is really filled with emotion. This story shows my good writng skills because I was able to write questions that gave the people getting interviewed an oppertunity to really say how they felt about their last winter concert.
This story matters because it gives the band seniors a chance to tell Redwood how they really feel about never doing a concert at Redwood again. It informs Redwood about some of its seniors and their feelings. This impacts the seniors interviewed because they have something to look back on and remiss on their days in high school.
Adrienne Terry Works Hard for the Spring Musical Another Year
This story highlights Adrienne Terry the co-director and choreographer of Redwood High Schools 2023 Musical, "Bye, Bye Birdie". The story was pretty fun to write because I got to co-write it with a class mate of mine, which made for a new and interesting experince. This story highlights my good writing skills as it stays interesting to read from the start to the end.
This story matters because it covers a person who put a lot of work and effort into the musical, most of the time the actors are the only people who get attention, while the people who made it happen like directors and chreographers are over looked. This story impacts Adrienne Terry by getting her name out and giving her the recognition she deserves.
Jazz Band Mesmerizes 8th Graders with Their Tunes
This story is about some Jazz band students and how they felt the 8th grade visit performace went. It also includes some messages the Jazz band students want the 8th graders to know. This story was pretty cool to write because I got to talk to some cool Jazz band students and hear some thoughtful words about Jazz band. This story highlights my writing skills as it uses good structure and acurrate information.
This story is important because it gives any 8th graders that read the Gigantea a chance to learn that the Redwoods music programs welcome them with open arms. This story impacts the Jazz band as a whole because this story is able to encourage the incoming freshman to join the Jazz band.
Reflection
Where have I been?
I didn't really have much of an idea of this class when I first saw it on my schedule. I thought it was just a class that made newspapers and a few online stories. I didn't really know how much work it took and I was expecting it to be another English class at most. I was expecting a really boring class.
Where am I now?
I have learned a lot from being in the Gigantea. I´ve learned how to interview people and I can hold eye contact a bit better because of the interviews. I can write better and use more advanced terms and speech because of the Gigantea. I can also better understand the students I interview and how they really feel about whatever is happening.
Where am I going?
My one goal for the section would be to cover more teachers or students who stand out from the rest. We write mostly about clubs or groups, which isn't bad, but it would be nice to be a little more diverse in our story selection. One personal goal for myself would be to try to write more stories next semester, I feel like I missed some good story opportunities and I´d like to do better next semester. Another personal goal I have is to be a stronger interviewer, I feel like I still have room to improve on my interviewing skills and it's something I ´ ll have to work on next semester.