The Teen Appeal is a citywide high school newspaper produced by the students of Memphis City Schools. It is supported by a generous grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. The University of Memphis hosts and administers the program, hosting an annual week-long summer journalism camp as well as monthly staff meetings. Our print edition is printed and distributed by The Commercial Appeal.
Now in its 15th year, The Teen Appeal has a mission to recruit minorities into the nation’s newsrooms by introducing them to journalism during high school. Before its inception, the opportunity to work on a school newspaper did not exist for most Memphis high school students, especially those in majority African-American high schools.
The Teen Appeal helps high school students develop skills in writing, interviewing, and multimedia production that are vital to their future success not only in journalism, but in life. Through their interaction with professionals, including many of our own alumni, Teen Appeal staffers develop role models and an appreciation for the power and importance of journalism in a democratic society. Our students have interviewed local newsmakers from the school superintendent to the city mayor and have covered major stories such as President Obama’s visit to Memphis high school Booker T. Washington and the controversial school consolidation plan that rocked the county in 2011, as well as lighter fare such as prom fashions and poetry slams.
I am the chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Public Education Committee. The TBA is sponsoring a UTube video contest for middle and high schoolers. There will be three prizes awarded for each category: $500 to the winner of each and $500 to the sponsoring organization. Other prizes are $300 and $200 for second and third place winners. You can learn more about the contest at http://www.tba.org and scroll down to the following paragraph. There is a link to the rules and applications there.
“You Can’t Say That … Or Can You?
Middle and high school students win cash prizes in the Tennessee Bar Association’s video contest. This year’s contest asks students to explore the constitutional right to freedom of communication. Six winners will be selected from across the state.
Find out more or register now”
We would really like for you to consider doing a story for your publication and encourage participation from Memphis students. You can also contact me at 615-736-2122 or Sarah Hayman at the Tennessee Bar Association at 615-383-7421.
Thank you,
Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur