Scholastic Journalism Reaches Milestone

By Kelsey D'Amico

Best-selling author Bruce Littlefield, School of Journalism and Mass Communications alumnus, will return to Columbia in October to help the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association commemorate its 75th anniversary by speaking to middle and high school journalism students and their advisers at the SCSPA fall conference and anniversary celebration.

Littlefield, who earned his degree in 1989, is an expert on American culture and the author of Garage Sale America and Airstream Living.

“Bruce’s enthusiasm for what he does now equals the high-energy enthusiasm he had when he edited his high school yearbook, served as an officer for SCSPA and was a broadcast student here at USC,” said Dr. Bruce Konkle, former SCSPA director and J-school associate professor. “Students and advisers alike will enjoy what Bruce will bring to the association’s 75th celebration.”

Bobby Hawthorne, author of The Radical Write, helps student journalists appreciate the importance of great writing in scholastic publications and will speak at the conference as the banquet keynote speaker.
“Scholastic journalism is the one course in the high school curriculum where students are required to report, write, edit and proof for an audience of their peers,” Hawthorne said. “It’s writing to be read as opposed to writing to be turned in for a grade.”

“He truly is now a ‘pioneer’ in every sense of the word when it comes to helping students and staffs enhance their publications,” Dr. Konkle said. “He’s also one of the funniest storytellers and speakers to ever grace a podium.

Dr. Konkle said more than 45,000 student journalists and publication advisers have attended SCSPA conferences and workshops in Columbia since the organization made USC its permanent home in the early 1960s. “That’s quite an achievement, and that’s something that should be celebrated and appreciated by school and university faculty and administration.”

SCSPA director Karen Flowers appreciates the continuing support from SJMC.

“The J-school believes strongly in supporting programs that prepare future journalists because programs like SCSPA are great recruiting tools to get the best students in to the J-school. They support us not only financially but also provide us with speakers and judges and attend our events,” she said.

Jenna Eckel, a third-year public relations major, is in charge of planning the celebration as SCSPA 75th anniversary intern.

“I’m excited for the opportunities for reunions at the anniversary. Old friends can come together to discuss how they are involving journalism in their lives today,” Eckel said.

The banquet will take place Oct. 16, followed by the fall conference Oct. 17 at the downtown Marriott in Columbia, S.C.

“The anniversary is a great way for scholastic journalism to continue to grow,” Eckel said. “SCSPA has helped, encouraged and taught many young professionals who have become successful and influential individuals today.”