Hartford’s Journalism and Media Magnet Academy has a senior, Jhan Spears who is passionate about a career in broadcast journalism.
Stephen Torres wants to be a journalist too.
Spears, a 4.0 student, has received encouragement from the school’s film teacher, Steve Hodges, to consider going into the field.
“When people come to look at our school, [he and I] always give each other suggestions… If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today doing this,” Spears said.
Spears, 17, of Hartford, is one of the editors of the broadcasting studio at the school. She also interns at Connecticut Public Television writing scripts and shooting films.
Spears had also put together, with Hodges’ supervision, a five-minute video for the Hartford superintendent of schools discussing diversity in Hartford’s public schools titled “Race, Racism, and Equity.”
Also, she and her classmates put together a commercial that was entered in the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council’s contest on public access television.
She and her team placed third.
In just three short years in high school, Spears’ passion for broadcast journalism has shown in the work she has done.
“It’s a way to express myself. I love to write scripts,” she said. “I love to make people laugh. I love to impress people and prove myself.”
Spears also has support from her family at home as well. She said her parents have always supported her career aspirations.
Stephen Torres is a student at Naugatuck High School.