A Visit to Westside High

Three classes, fake news and over 100 students.

On Feb. 8, VP of Programs Emily Bloch visited Westside High School in Jacksonville to speak to the school’s journalism students.

Journalism teacher Mary Maraghy invited Bloch to speak to her three morning classes, which all have around 50 students about the industry. The matchup was arranged by the Society of Professional Journalists national chapter as part of its #Press4Education initiative.

During her visit, Bloch played a round of SPJ Florida’s signature event, the Fake News Game Show with students. She also reviewed the students’ digital newspaper, The Westside Voice, and answered questions about the industry.

“What a great day!” Maraghy said about Bloch’s visit. “Emily spoke to all my classes, played a real versus fake News game, critiqued some Westside Voice stories, gave us lots of praise, suggestions, ideas, resources. She was fabulous with the kids. They behaved and participated.”

Want an SPJ Florida member to visit your club, class or newsroom? Email us.