A pleasure to work with Wahluke HS students

Today, you will run into a story about Wahluke High School journalism teacher Justin Hjelm, written by 17 of his students.

They are: Itzel Ruiz, Jessica Valencia, Cristian Lopez, Suheli Martinez, Daniel Franco, Isabel Torres, Sarai Vivar, Guadalupe Abarca, Elena Abarca, Teresa Tapia, Najavy Ramirez, Wendy Castro, Mirla Diaz, Rachael Maldonado, Joseline Morales, Yessica Gonzalez and Tanya Valdenea.

The story came out of a project that involves students with the paper.

To assure the students I was serious, I visited the classroom on several Tuesdays so they could get to know me and what I expected of any contribution.

The Tuesday visits were a pleasurable experience. The students were exceptionally well-behaved, courteous and kind.

And attentive.

Writing was easier for some than others, but they all made, and are making, an effort. Every student responded when I called on him or her.

We had a press conference style interview with Mr. Hjelm. He became so interesting that, in the end, the first story produced in the class is about him.

Over the next couple of weeks we talked about the guidelines of news writing, editing and anything else about which I wanted to make sure the students were clear. Then the students wrote their stories.

At first, I was going to select the best one and run it in the paper. I changed my mind. The original idea seemed a little unfair.

I decided to let the students share this first experience. I took the best thoughts and writing from each one and pieced together one composite story.

The story is good, and it is true. Mr. Hjelm is really a likable human being. He really does greet his students at the door. He shakes hands with those who want to shake hands. And he likes his coffee, soccer and the Seahawks.

Most of all, he likes his students and his job. He is having the impact he was hoping to have when he decided to change careers and become a teacher.

Thank you Mr. Hjelm for allowing me into your classroom. It was an enjoyable experience. Your students were as kind as could be, and I am sure that is reflection of the impact your own actions have had.