Imagine walking into a classroom and seeing a group of students, all with a great connection built between them, working together to tell stories.
This fall at Mount Carmel High School, that has become a reality. For the first time, the school has an all-Hispanic news team. This is purely coincidental, as The Caravan is produced in Mr. Tim Baffoe’s 21st Century Media course, and the five students who are in the class just so happen to share an ethnic background.
While some might view this as just another school project, it’s so much more. It is a powerful symbol of representation, perspective, and inspiration for both the students involved and the community.
For years, Hispanic Americans have not always seen themselves reflected in roles where they can express themselves in newsrooms. The spot this team is in changes that. It proves that Hispanic students not only belong in journalism but can have fun in it. And that matters. They gain confidence, pride, and hope.
When people see someone like themselves in a role of influence, it sends the message that they can succeed, too. For the students on this news staff, it feels good, and they all want to embrace it.
“It really means a lot to me because growing up as a Hispanic kid, I have been treated differently,” says MC junior Alan Gonzalez about joining The Caravan team. “Now I feel way more accepted.”
Gonzalez faced some bullying in the past but has since felt a rise in his confidence. He feels that his participation with The Caravan helps with that.
Senior staff writer Anthony Chavez shared how even his family felt the importance of the moment. He said his parents were proud when he told them about the team, calling it “pretty cool” and even a “big standard.”
Beyond representation, the news team also brings new perspectives to the stories they all tell.
“It is good to have an all-Hispanic news team because it shows different perspectives,” says senior staff writer Rocco Lopez. “We do not see the world the same as other people see the world.”
Diverse voices in journalism matter. They offer different ways of understanding events, issues, and experiences.
Junior Derek Ozuna says that being a part of the staff is “something special that we all have connecting us.” The staff writers’ bond and their shared perspectives give the group an authenticity that cannot be replicated by others, due to the fact that they all feel comfortable with one another and show their real colors. For Hispanic readers, this could be a nice thing to see. It means maybe in the near future the student newspaper could all have a week where it’s all about Hispanic culture. For non-Hispanic readers, it means gaining a better, more complete view of the world, which includes perspectives of writers from different ethnic and racial groups. Ultimately, everyone benefits when journalism includes more perspectives.
Stereotypes about Hispanics in media and leadership roles still exist. By simply doing their work and doing it well, this team is helping to combat those stereotypes.
“It breaks down barriers,” Chavez believes.
This new staff is not just writing for today, but making a great impact for the future.
“It shows that being an all Hispanic staff is possible,” says Lopez regarding. He added that journalism is a strong way to get Hispanics involved in the MC community.
In other words, the impact of this team does not stop at the school doors. It stretches outward, making inspiration for younger students who may be thinking they do not belong. The message is clear: they do want to be there as staff and they’re gonna prove it.
The all-Hispanic news staff is a symbol of representation, perspective, and inspiration. The students are showing pride in their culture, bringing fresh viewpoints to the newsroom, and encouraging others to follow their lead. As Chavez notes, the class has already been “a great couple of weeks so far.” But its impact will last much longer than a few weeks.
The lessons learned will help each individual student grow as a student, but not just as a student and more as a person.
