Entering the Digital Age

Jacob Boyer, Staff Reporter

February 27, 2013

For the past two years, the Spotlight has been evolving and adapting for the 21st century. The news journalism program has incorporated current technology, including a newly renovated online website, and it has also opened new positions for staff reporters and editors to help keep the Spotlight up-to-date.

“We hear so much talk about 21st century skills, and students use those,” adviser Mrs. Marlo Spritzer said. “[In this class], you’re not just writing. You’re writing, you’re taking pictures, you’re potentially shooting video, you are working with technology all the time, almost everyday.”

While this is true, especially with the recently added 1:1 laptop initiative, students are exposed to technology far more often every day. It makes sense for the school newspaper to branch out into the digital realm as well. The online news site can be updated more quickly and is more up-to-date with what is currently happening in our community. Articles are typically posted on Facebook and Twitter as they are published.

With the addition of the new website, slspotlight.com, new jobs have arisen for the different students involved in the course. Senior Justin Malone and junior Jacob Boyer have been appointed as the video co-editors to help create multimedia pieces for the Spotlight’s online site.

“It’s definitely, exciting [to be the first video editor]. It doesn’t usually happen at most high schools. It’s great we have a new field to present news,” Malone said. “It’s a great new way to get the news out to the staff and students.”

Along with following the 21st century technology trends, the Spotlight has recently added QR codes in the print editions. These are usually located near articles that have more content available online, including pictures and videos. The QR codes can be easily scanned by smartphones iPods, using a QR code reader app.

Another new feature the online Spotlight utilizes is its online polling system. Students and teachers alike are invited to anonymously answer multiple choice polls that are relevant to current topics and trends.

Students, teachers and community members can follow the Spotlight on social media sites such as Facebook (Southern Lehigh Spotlight) or Twitter (@SLSDspotlight), but even if you don’t, you can sign up to receive daily email updates from the website. With this feature, students can stay up to date and informed with goings-on around them on a regular basis without having to wait for the next print issue.

“The students are doing a fabulous job of covering all the many different activities, events, issues, and concerns and turning them into very informative articles,” Principal Mrs. Christine Siegfried said, “so [the Spotlight] really has become cutting edge at Southern Lehigh.”

About the Contributors

Jacob Boyer, Staff Reporter

Jacob Boyer was a member of the Spotlight staff for four years. Last year, he was video co-editor, and stepped up to become the sole video editor for the Spotlight his senior year. Jacob was also on the swim team and played an influential role on the morning announcements, either designing graphics or serving as director. Jacob will attend Kutztown University where he plans to major in electronic communications. He loves working in media, and pursuing this major will open the door to television news, online journalism, or possibly filmmaking. “I’m going to be completely original here and say that the whole high school experience goes by fast,” Boyer said about his reflection on high school. “It doesn’t seem like that when you’re living it, but once you get to the final weeks of senior year, it all sinks in.” Though four years did go by quickly for Jacob, he says that the best part of high school was allowing himself to be more open to meeting people. He says that making these new connections was one of the most valuable parts of his high school career. Jacob’s future plans are to make it in the movie business, and hopefully creating a film that makes it to theaters. Other than that, he just wants “to go with the flow.” His advice to underclassmen? “Do your work on time, because high school is already a big enough headache without having to owe work to people,” Boyer said. “Oh, and eat your veggies, don’t stay up late, and learn something new everyday.”

Anna Simoneau, Staff Reporter

Anna Simoneau was a member of the Spotlight staff for two years, contributing as a staff reporter, assistant photo editor, and photo editor. During high school, Anna has also been involved in both Key Club and National Honor Society.

Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, playing on her intramural soccer team, and spending time in the kitchen. Anna claims baking sweet treats are her speciality.

One of her favorite memories is eating in the very cafe where JK Rowling once sat, writing Harry Potter. According to Anna, the cafe has amazing sandwiches.

Upon graduating, Anna will attend Lehigh University where she will major in journalism/science writing with a minor in environmental science. Hopefully, one day she will become a successful journalist. However, if that plan falls through Anna will instead be a technical writer where she can utilize her science degrees.

Anna looks back on her four years in high school fondly. She says she will miss Mrs. Quartuch, Mrs. Howsare, Mr. Helinski, and of course... Mrs. Spritzer.

Her advice? “Don’t let senior year consume you!”

The Spotlight

The Spotlight

The Spotlight

Entering the Digital Age