The future of Sandy Springs is in good hands, thanks to the bright minds of our youth.
During the 2022-2023 school year, Sandy Springs Together continued its partnership with North Springs High School and VOX Teen Communications to provide students with an additional outlet to express their ideas. This program with VOX ATL complements one of North Springs’ existing journalism programs led by language arts teacher Mr. Adam Throne.
VOX ATL is a teen-driven, nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the voices of youth from diverse backgrounds across metro Atlanta. Through this endeavor, VOX ATL seeks to create a stronger, more equitable community by fostering leadership and uncensored self-expression among teens.
VOX recognizes that young people in our community face many social pressures that often cause social isolation, feelings of low self-esteem, and powerlessness. The partner program allowed North Springs journalism students to express themselves through writing and podcasting. This experience helped students develop leadership skills and form healthy, supportive relationships with their peers.
More than thirty students participated in four workshops where they learned from professionals, including Rose Scott, the award-winning journalist and host of “A Closer Look.” Scott spoke to students about careers in journalism, best practices for finding reliable resources and her own experience as a journalist. Students who participated in the workshops spoke positively about them, citing the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions with other Metro Atlanta area teens as a bonus.
Students’ published work highlights issues that are important to them. Some of the articles include peer pressure, social media and body shaming as well as podcasts on a variety of subjects.
North Springs High School has a successful journalism track record of its own. North Springs students were recognized by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) at the Spring Workshop and Awards ceremony held at the University of Georgia. North Springs students earned awards for their work in sports columns, movie reviews, editorials, productions of “I Have a Dream Speech” and promotions of the North Springs The SpongeBob Musical and more.
Sandy Springs Together also sponsored a journalism club at Sandy Springs Charter Middle School. The club of more than 30 students met monthly to develop reviews and editorials. The hope is that the middle school students will be inspired to participate in the high school journalism program when they enter ninth grade.
At Sandy Springs Together, we are proud to support the development of our future leaders. We look forward to continuing the VOX ATL program and Sandy Springs Charter Middle School journalism club this fall.
