The Northwestern Summer Journalism Experience
Each summer dozens of top high journalists descend on the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois to attend the National High School Institute. The students, called cherubs, have the opportunity to study under top national journalists throughout the five-week program. Journalists hail from news organizations including Newsweek, ESPN, Chicago Tribune, Nielsen Business Media, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit Free Press, ABC News and People.
The summer of 2009 saw the arrival of 82 cherubs from Asia and the United States.
These student editors are challenged to crank out copy under tight deadline pressure then turn it into instructors for grading. They receive thorough critiques with feedback to improve their writing and give the cherubs writing expertise to take home to their high school newspapers.
There is also time for fun. Each week they take field trips to news organizations and other Chicago destinations including the Art Institute of Chicago, John G Shedd Aquarium, Wrigley Field, Cellular Field and a scenic boat tour on the Chicago River.
Here’s a look at what many cherubs call, “the best summer of their life.”
DHS journalism teacher Stacey Wilkins’ team, named Touch’em All, with ESPN “PTI” host Mike Wilbon. Wilkins is an instructor in the program. Wilbon is a guest lecturer and graduate of the Medill School of Journalism.
Deontae Moore of Chicago practices reading a news script before sitting down at the anchor desk.
Mrs. Wilkins's team competes in the cherub Family Feud. (BTW – Mrs. Wilkins's team came in second to the first place Mary Lounatics)
Cherubs at Cellular Field on July 8. Paul Konerko hit three homers to lead the White Sox to a 10-6 victory over the Cleveland Indians.
Northwestern University summer journalism instructors
The cherubs got a chance to sit behind the anchor desk at ABC7 Chicago during a tour given by Medill alumni and ABC7 executive producer Anne Swainey.
Head CA April Daley of New York (left) helps Monica Ramirez of Illinois edit her broadcast copy.
Ryan Schlesinger of Maryland (center) conferences with instructor Mary Lou Song. (right) as Erin Jentz (left) edits copy.
The 2009 Journalism cherubs at Northwestern University
Students get ready to take a weekly current events quiz.
Cherubs outside the John G Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Cherubs gather around ESPN “PTI” host Mike Wilbon after his morning lecture.
Ryan Holmes of California (left) and Gabi Remz of Massachusetts practice reading the news.
Chrissy Lee of California has a book autographed by author and Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer John White of the Chicago Sun-Times. White told the students to “Keep in Flight.”