The Brewer High School newspaper, Ursa Major, has been a developing program in the school since 2015. The program covers events surrounding the school, the overall district and the community surrounding it. Ursa Major has been in an upward spiral for a while now, and even though improvement in the program has been impressive, more writers are needed for Ursa Major to keep up their progress.
“You can see the gradual improvement of the quality of our work throughout the years. I started off as a regular student in that class, made it onto the staff through hard work, and now I’m the Co-Editor!” said Noah Finch, Co-Editor in Chief of Ursa Major news. “That said, we need more students who love writing and photography that we can train to take our places someday”.
Lately, there has been a lack of writers in the program, which has served as a major setback to the greater improvement that can be made to the program. Ursa Major is currently looking for anyone who would like to write stories covering current events, people who are active in the community, and photographers to help cover the visual aspects of our team all for the name of school spirit.
“Usually, Libbie and I, a fellow staff member, take care of all the photos that are needed for the stories. I love taking pictures, and I take pretty good ones too if I do say so myself, but the problem is I can’t be everywhere," said Finch. "I’m not saying that we need pictures at every football game, but I’d like people to be there for more. If anyone wants to be taking pictures on the field of sports games at Brewer, they should consider joining."
Joining Ursa Major is a great opportunity to develop your writing abilities, showcase your originality, and have a significant influence on our school community. There is a spot here on our news crew for everyone regardless of their passion. Whatever it may be--journalism, photography, design, or even social media, you will have the chance to report on fascinating events, speak with great people, and share stories your peers will enjoy if you join.
“Your skills can be used anywhere in the creative process in the media we make,” said Olivia Adkins, Co-Editor of Ursa Major News. “There’s a place at Ursa Major for everybody. No matter what you come in with the intention of doing, your talent will be found and it will be valued."
Currently, two great Co-Editors run the publication alongside three other members of staff. Despite immense talent among all of them, there is much to do and not enough hands to do it. With the UIL season coming up, there are spots to be filled. If you're great at catching mistakes in writing, writing itself, or even coming up with clever and unique titles for stories, signing up for academic UIL in journalism is the right place for you. Currently being enrolled in the journalism course is unneeded, just email Ursa Major Adviser Ms. Urbina at furbina@wsisd.net or see her in her classroom B122.