Ayla Ozturk- News Section Editor/Writer
I am the section editor and writer for Gigantea's news section. I have covered several significant events affecting Redwood's students, families, and staff. I have a focus on Government and Politics, covering the Visalia Unified School District Board of Education. Recently, I have been finishing my coverage of the 2022 Board elections. As a third-year journalism student, I have learned to communicate effectively with adults in important positions, write news-style stories, and effectively cover major events. I have also done photography for the news section and a few photo galleries covering student life at Redwood Football games. My work differs from other sections. My goal is to inform students of things that significantly impact them and their education. Not many students know what a school board is, let alone what it does. My work is essential because students deserve easy access to information that impacts them the most. I am proud of being able to provide this for not only students at Redwood but students across VUSD.
Semester 1 Stories
VUSD Board Elections 2022 Coverage
I wrote this collection of stories covering the Visalia Unified School District [VUSD] Board Elections. Trustee Area seats 1, 2, 4, and 6 were on the ballot. Trustee Area 3 was also due for an election, but Incumbent Joy Naylor ran unopposed. I did my best to highlight the candidates and what they stand for, the purpose of a school board, and the importance of the electoral process.
This coverage matters because students are the most significant stakeholders in the district. The decisions that the school board makes impact students the most. Despite this, many students are completely unaware of what happens in the boardroom. By attending board meetings and engaging with these individuals, I inform students of important discussions and decisions that affect them the most.
VUSD Board of Education Revises Graduation Requirements
Last Fall, the Visalia Unified School District Board of Education revised the requirements to graduate. Starting with the class of 2028, students will have to complete three years of math instead of two, the current requirement.
I was able to contribute my connections to the school board. Megan Yang got the voices from the class of 2028. Ryan Kaspar contributed extensive research and data analysis. This coverage matters because students are the ones most affected by this decision. They deserve to know what happens in the VUSD Boardroom. Everybody in my team made vital contributions to provide that and even more.
See more of my first semester work here
Reflection
Where have I been?
Before I took this class, I thought it would be the advisor leading it. Now that I am here, I know that it is the students. I never had anywhere I felt I truly belonged. Journalism gave that to me.
Where am I now?
I learned how to write in journalistic style. I can communicate with adults in important positions effectively. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of the first amendment.
Where am I going?
I strive to improve my technical skills when I need to get a story out fast. I would also like to work on my photography and provide for my team. My team and I want to incorporate more creativity into our work.