By: Shayla Terry

Crenshaw County students were in attendance last week at Troy University’s annual Hall School of Journalism and Communication J-Day. This year more than 500 students from high schools across Alabama participated in the event. Our own Crenshaw Christian Academy, Brantley High School and Luverne High School were in attendance.

During J-Day, students are educated on the ever evolving world of journalism, as well as techniques used in the field.

“I learned a lot of new things,” Luverne High School student Logan Worthington said.

“There was a photography workshop that I look a lot of interest in.”

Students had a choice of over ten categories ranging from public relations to TV news production. Workshops were also tailored towards yearbook publications. Students could submit their previous publication to a yearbook competition as well as learn ways to improve on their current publications.

“This was our first experience at J-Day,” Brantley High School math teacher Meredith Beck said.

“One of my students, Grace, got to be a news anchor, and she loved that. The students really learned a lot.”

Instructors and advisors were also offered their own workshops. The advisor workshop, led by Troy University Professor Steve Stewart, was a round-table discussion for them to voice common concerns.

“They could compare notes on problems and solutions, and also learn of resources that were available to them through Troy University and other organizations,” Stewart said.

J-Day has continued to grow annually. This year’s participation saw over 100 more students than 2015.