Thursday, March 4, the Sullivan Independent News was honored to have Owensville High School sophomore and journalism student, Kelsey Strothkamp, job shadow Editor James Bartle.
Strothkamp participated in the OHS journalism class her freshman year and is a staff writer for the high school publication in 2009-10.
“I hope to become Assistant Editor in my junior year and Editor in my senior year at OHS,” said Strothkamp.
Strothkamp is being taught by former Sullivan Independent News Bourbon Editor, Jennifer MacDonald. MacDonald has recently received her tenure at OHS.
Strothkamp stated that she has always enjoyed reading and writing, along with having a love for English.
“I’ve always enjoyed English and it’s something that I’m good at, along with writing,” said Strothkamp. “I also enjoy staying current with events going on in the world and I also like being able to interview people and write stories about things people normally don’t pay attention to.”
Strothkamp got excited about journalism and writing early in life when she completed an essay that won her a local award.
“My problem, right now, in school is when I write an essay my teachers sometimes tell me it sounds more like a news article,” laughed Strothkamp. “I really like being able to tell people a story that they will enjoy and be interested in.”
Owensville High School journalism instructor, Jennifer MacDonald, commented to the Independent News that Strothkamp is a very bright student that excels very well in her journalism class. She is very proud of what Strothkamp has accomplished, thus far.
Strothkamp was treated to an event-filled day with the Independent News as she was able to attend the Sullivan Fire District Open House on Thursday, see an interview with Sullivan Fire Chief Rich White and Franklin County Arson Investigator Jim Schumaker regarding a large fire on Wed., Mar. 10, attend the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon and visit the Sullivan Police Department for a tour and learn how article information is gathered from law enforcement.
“Strothkamp was a pleasure to have on Thursday as a job shadow,” said Bartle. “It’s always exciting to see a young person have such a strong desire to pursue journalism as a career. There is no doubt in my mind that she will have a promising career in journalism.”