OPINION By J1 reporter MajieAhna Winfrey

In the 2024-2025 school year, Marian opened Journalism 1 to sophomores for the first time. Traditionally, only juniors could take Journalism 1, and only seniors who completed it could move on to Honors Journalism II. Those in Honors Journalism II serve on the prestigious yearbook or newspaper staff. While the intent is to broaden opportunities and encourage early interest, the results may not align with the responsibilities required of a truly effective journalism team member. 

Opening the door to underclassmen may seem progressive, but it undermines the maturity and foundational skills essential to high-quality student journalism. Journalism is not just writing stories; it involves meeting strict deadlines, conducting interviews, managing editorial decisions, and handling school-wide representation through published work. These are heavy tasks best handled by students with more academic experience and personal growth. 

Sophomores, by nature, are still finding their footing in high school. They’re adjusting to increased workloads, exploring extracurricular, and learning time management. Expecting them to commit to the demands of journalism, especially the fast-paced environment of a real publication, is unrealistic and unfair to both students and the program. Juniors and seniors have typically developed the self-discipline and communication skills needed to perform at the level journalism requires.

Additionally, allowing younger students to bypass the traditional progression disrupts the continuity of the staff. In the past. Journalism was a two year journey that gave students time to build foundational skills before stepping into leadership roles. Now, with sophomores entering the track earlier, staff dynamics risk becoming fragmented. Seniors and juniors who have earned their place may feel overshadowed or forced to mentor peers who aren’t developed writers yet. 

This change also raises concerns about content quality. Student publications represent the voice and values of the school. When less-experienced students are tasked with crafting that voice, the risk of errors in terms of tone, accuracy and judgement dramatically rises. That doesn’t mean sophomores lack potential. It just means they may need more time to develop the confidence and judgement needed to represent the Marian brand in print.

Instead of jumping straight into Journalism 1, sophomores could benefit from a preparatory media or creative writing course that introduces them to the basics of storytelling, design and media ethics. These courses could act as a feeders into the official journalism program, allowing for more international growth without sacrificing standards.  Or maybe no course at all, and just waiting until maturity level has risen. 

In a field where credibility is everything, experience matters. Marian’s journalism tradition is rooted in excellence and student leadership. Let’s preserve that by giving students the time they need to grow before giving them the mic.