Two new stories titled, “Getting Help: Mental Health Resources” & “A Closer Look At AP Lit and AP Lang: What’s a Better Fit For You?” have sparked a new idea amongst the Redwood Gigantea, to create a new section now known as: The Branch. This section will cover explanatory journalism and to cover all of Redwood High Schools complex topics.
By: Liah Rodriguez and Camryn Lewis
VISALIA, CA – The Redwood Gigantea is a school newspaper that holds information for all of the Redwood High School students. Information varies from clubs, lifestyles, sports, arts, and now The Branch which helps students understand the “why” when it comes to important topics that may be confusing and complicated. School policies, traditions, and typical student life are going to be shared due to this new section.
Mr. Nicholas Miller, the advisor who has run the Redwood Gigantea since 2008, is proud that this new section covers all of the complicated topics students might not fully understand. “Students often hear about things happening around them but don’t always get the full story,” said Mr. Miller. “The Branch will give them well-researched, engaging explanations that make news and school life more understandable and meaningful.”
Last year’s 6th period Editor-In-Chief, Donya Hassanshahi, ’24, who now writes for UCLA’s “The Quad” that covers explanatory journalism, inspired the section to be created. Explanatory journalism is a form of reporting that presents ongoing news stories in a more accessible and easier manner. If a student is ever confused on anything going on at school, they can now access fast and simple news. The Branch aims to encourage critical thinking, make journalism more engaging through storytelling, helping students make informed decisions, and to clarify school issues using background information.
As a reader, students can expect different stories that explain, not just report. This will give students a deeper understanding of their school and world. The first stories from The Branch will debut this month on The Redwood Gigantea website, The Branch.
Got a topic you’d like us to explore?
Camryn Lewis
Liah Rodriguez
Tags: explanatory journalism, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood the branch, rhs, rhs the branch, the branch, visalia ca
