The Cityzen Receives Technology Upgrades
The staff of Michigan City High School’s The Cityzen newspaper are exploring new aspects of design and media usage thanks to several technology updates, with the most recent being the addition of two Macbook Airs and iMac desktops to their classroom.
The Cityzen staff takes pride in being a very student-run paper, and their sponsor Mandy Chastain feels the same way. Thanks to a combination of the staff’s interest in new media and the support of their sponsor, the team has been taking steps to become more like a modern media source. It all started with the creation of an online paper, and that led to the development of The Cityzen mobile application. The new Apple computers will play a large role in further developing these new media outlets.
Being the industry standard, the computers will also allow students to experience print media design through a more relevant system. Freshman and first-year member of The Cityzen staff Megan Grams has already experienced an improvement in efficiency while working on print editions of the paper. “It is easier to work in InDesign and Photoshop with [the computers] due to the better screen resolution and speed. The quality of photo editing will also definitely increase,” said Grams.
The Macs will also help any staff member who plans on studying journalism or design in college become accustomed to Apple products. With MCAS using primarily Windows technology, students are not typically exposed to other software and products. Therefore, staff members who use the Macs are offered a rare opportunity.
After visiting Ball State, her future college campus, senior and third-year member of The Cityzen staff Destiny Harvel was initially worried about her lack of experience with Apple products. Now, though, she can learn the ins-and-outs of the software while still in high school.
“Working with the Macs has given me the opportunity to work with newer computers and allowed me to get accustomed to a new software before going to college,” said Harvel.
This equipment update was possible thanks to a technology grant and the involvement of several MCAS administrators.
“Our Director of Technology Kevin McGuire has been very supportive and understanding of [The Cityzen’s] needs. As principal, Wendel McCollum was also a huge supporter for our student newspaper and understood our need for updated equipment. We have been looking at making the updates for a couple years now, and it was just a question of when Mr. McGuire would have the money to make the purchase,” said Chastain.
Aside from the technology update, The Cityzen has seen vast improvement this year.
“The editors have focused more of their time and efforts on the print paper this year, and I really think it shows. The stories are very interesting and diverse. I think the quality of the work is improving with each new issue,” Chastain said.
“I am very proud of my staff. They have been working so hard to produce a great product each issue for our student body, school and community.”
To witness the growth of the program and to get updated on MCHS’s student news, download The Cityzen app through the Google Play Store or the App Store, check the paper’s online site at www.mchscityzen.com, or stop by MCHS to pick up a copy of the print edition.
Mandy Chastain: an Original Member of the Pack
Mandy Chastain has been a wolf since Elston and Rogers merged to become Michigan City High School as it is known today, and she continues to positively impact the school through her work in the English department.
After graduating from MCHS in 1998 with the rest of the students who chose the wolf instead of a mariner to be MCHS’s beloved mascot, Chastain earned her BA from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. There, she decided to follow her passion for reading and majored in English Literature. After her undergraduate experience, she earned her Master’s degree in education and additional Master’s credit hours in communications from Valparaiso University and also gained Master’s credit hours in English at Purdue Northwest. Today, Chastain teaches journalism, Dual Credit English 12, and sponsors MCHS’s The Cityzen newspaper.
Although Chastain does not specifically remember what the previous sponsor said to convince her to lead the staff, she is sure that she appealed to her “love for trying new things.” Today, she is the biggest supporter of the staff and dedicates herself to helping staff members’ plans for the paper come into fruition.
“As far as our newspaper goes, my plans are to feed the interests of my staff. I like to give my students a say in where we go and what we do. Their interests and excitement for learning are what make the class so amazing and worthwhile,” said Chastain.
The staff is planning on printing a special edition issue before the end of the year, and Chastain supports them wholeheartedly. “[The editors] are currently exploring the possibility of another special edition issue. Their ideas are really very exciting, but I don’t want to share too much right now. They like to surprise their readers,” said Chastain.
When she is not teaching journalism, DC English 12, or helping the newspaper staff create their next issue, Chastain is most likely spending time with her family.
“My husband and I have three kids and a boxer puppy at home,” said Chastain.
“We have six schedules to juggle. Yes, even the dog has a schedule. There is always something to do, something to clean, and something to laugh about. It’s fun and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Chastain’s commitment to her students, the importance of student-led media, and MCHS as a whole is greatly appreciated by all of her fellow wolves.