At Bartlett High School, the National Honor Society requires senior members to initiate and lead a service project unique to their interests. When I learned of this task, I racked my brain in hopes of uncovering an idea worth my while. Every possibility I came up with would most definitely have a positive influence on my community, yet none kept me intrigued.

That was until a couple of my friends invited me to join in on their project. The plan—to create an extracurricular newspaper for fourth through sixth graders at an elementary school near BHS. I was ecstatic, to say the least. To inform others of the art of journalism, even at a simpler level for youth, would be a truly amazing experience.

With the basis of our project set, we contacted the elementary school’s principal in order to get things up and running. His enthusiasm for the suggestion matched ours and he organized a time for us to present the prospect of a newspaper to his students.

Though I worried that younger kids might not show interest in what we wanted to do, I was proven entirely wrong at our presentation. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders swarmed the three of us, eagerly listening to the information we conveyed. When asked who might like to participate in such an activity, nearly all of the hands shot up.

Now, five days away from our first official meeting with the students, I cannot help but feel anxious. Will they enjoy what we share? Will they understand what we teach? There is absolutely no way of knowing what to expect.

In a way, however, this adds to the excitement of what we’re doing. Whatever these kids may take from this, the fact that we’re spreading the knowledge of journalism to others is what matters most, and only this must remain in our minds and in our hearts as we go forth with this endeavor.

And please, if anyone has any suggestions on important journalism topics that need to be covered with these children—feel free to share! I would greatly appreciate any and all thoughts and ideas.