Shelburne student journalists spread positive news

SHELBURNE, Vt. (WCAX) - A school in Shelburne is getting young journalists fired up to spread good news.

The Shelburne Community School is home to a buzzing newsroom where student journalists are getting ready to sniff out the story of the day.

“I have to keep on like writing articles because it really makes me happy and I like how I spread kindness throughout the world,” said Sofia, a fourth grader.

Ruthie, Jack and Sofia are three of the 100 fourth graders in the school’s newspaper club, serving as the publisher, sports reporter and feature reporter, respectively. The team leaves no positive stone unturned, pursuing topics like the eclipse, endangered animals, engaging educators and sports.

“Where like somebody has just won a championship and they’re all really excited. That’s how I do it,” said Jack.

“Keep Up the Kindness” comes out every six weeks and it’s no small feat for these students to churn out. They’re getting the full experience even on the production and printing side.

“My favorite part is probably being able to like figure out like how it’s gonna go on and how it’s gonna look and really just like and I also get a chance to read all the articles,” said Ruthie.

Teacher Parker Cadwell says the students were the ones who decided to pursue positive coverage.

“They really are driving this train,” Cadwell said.

Cadwell says they are not only getting good writing experience, they’re practicing social skills, too. The team goes door to door and learns about what’s happening in each class in the school.

“Giving people a taste of their voice as 10-year-olds is really priceless and it’s wonderful,” Cadwell said.

Community members have also chipped in $1,000 to show their appreciation to the club. Cadwell says they’ve donated the money to Make-A-Wish Vermont and other charities as there is not much of a cost to run the program.

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