Scholastic Journalism Week, taking place from Feb. 21-27, celebrates the work and importance of student journalism across schools in the United States. Each day is associated with a different theme, and the overall theme for 2021 is “What We Do Matters.” 

Friday was associated with the theme of “What They Did Mattered,” honoring the importance of the 1969 Tinker v. Des Moines case, in which Mary Beth Tinker and other students fought for their right to express themselves. 

In CHS9’s principles of arts, AV tech and communications course, freshmen explore a unit on media ethics through various court cases, such as the aforementioned Tinker v. Des Moines, Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, Dean v. Utica Community Schools and more. Students are given a blurb of each court case and after initial discussion of their opinions, delve deeper into cases and their effects. 

“It’s important for students to understand what their rights are,” Principles of arts, AV Tech and communications teacher Jenna Grinnan said. “We rely on our journalists to keep our pillars of society honest.” 

Follow Akhila (@akhila_gunturu) and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter.