The Heart of Farrell High School:
How One Adviser is Redefining High School Journalism
Steeler Nation News staff
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For the adviser of Farrell High School’s newspaper, the journey into the newsroom began with a simple “Why not?”
Originally signing up to lead the yearbook—driven by a personal love for graphic design and tools like Adobe and Canva—Jessica Grills’s path took an unexpected turn when the principal called with a larger request: taking on both the school newspaper and the photojournalism class. What started as a volunteer effort for the yearbook evolved into what is now the award-winning Steeler Nation News. A collaborative newsroom The photojournalism class is a melting pot of ninth- through 12th graders, each bringing a unique array of skills and interests to the table. Together, the staff is responsible for a demanding production schedule: five full newspapers and four "Steeler Nation Sneak Peek" newsletters per school year. The process is a masterclass in student-led learning. It begins with "Brainstorm Day," where the entire staff maps out the sports and events of the upcoming |
nine-week cycle. While the year started with the adviser providing lots of supervision on Canva layouts and design "tips and tricks," that dynamic has shifted.
"With each new edition, they need less of my help," Grills said. "That is such a good feeling as a teacher."
The classroom has also become a hub for mentorship. Through a peer-editing process, juniors team up with freshmen to help improve their writing.
"With each new edition, they need less of my help," Grills said. "That is such a good feeling as a teacher."
The classroom has also become a hub for mentorship. Through a peer-editing process, juniors team up with freshmen to help improve their writing.
Beyond the smartphone lens
In an era where most students enter the classroom only comfortable with smartphone photography, Grills pushes her students to master a more professional camera. Students are regularly sent to the sidelines of games and the front lines of school events with professional cameras in hand.
To sharpen their artistic eye, Grills introduces creative challenges. Students draw topics out of a cup — like "Shadows" or "Time" — and will go out and find photos that fits the topic.
History and ethics
The curriculum focuses on journalistic ethics and integrity, drawing on historical investigative journalists, and Grills has her students study Nellie Bly and Upton Sinclair.
“This led to their interest in some of the journalists of pop culture with television shows that were popular in the 2000s and their interview skills,” Grills said, “which I think is such a gray area of ‘is it or is it not journalism?’”
Perhaps the most contemporary challenge in the newsroom is the rise of Generative AI.
"We’ve had to learn the difference between using Generative AI tools as magic wands that write articles for us and using them as a tool to guide us," the Grills said.
In an era where most students enter the classroom only comfortable with smartphone photography, Grills pushes her students to master a more professional camera. Students are regularly sent to the sidelines of games and the front lines of school events with professional cameras in hand.
To sharpen their artistic eye, Grills introduces creative challenges. Students draw topics out of a cup — like "Shadows" or "Time" — and will go out and find photos that fits the topic.
History and ethics
The curriculum focuses on journalistic ethics and integrity, drawing on historical investigative journalists, and Grills has her students study Nellie Bly and Upton Sinclair.
“This led to their interest in some of the journalists of pop culture with television shows that were popular in the 2000s and their interview skills,” Grills said, “which I think is such a gray area of ‘is it or is it not journalism?’”
Perhaps the most contemporary challenge in the newsroom is the rise of Generative AI.
"We’ve had to learn the difference between using Generative AI tools as magic wands that write articles for us and using them as a tool to guide us," the Grills said.
Keys to success
Grills says a key success is for her students to know their audience and be involved in the process from start to finish.
“You need the buy-in from the first Brainstorm Day to Final Version Day because at the end of the day it’s for them, by them.”
While the students are the engine of the Steeler Nation News, the adviser is quick to credit the Farrell community. From administrators who support the program to colleagues who patiently allow themselves to be interviewed or photographed, the paper is a true team effort.
"My proudest moment is anytime they work together to achieve something," the adviser says. "Whether it’s peer editing or when they excitedly flip through the pages when the newspaper is printed."
At the end of the day, the mission is fueled by a singular spirit. As the adviser puts it: "Go Steelers—because the Farrell Pride is in everything we do."
Grills says a key success is for her students to know their audience and be involved in the process from start to finish.
“You need the buy-in from the first Brainstorm Day to Final Version Day because at the end of the day it’s for them, by them.”
While the students are the engine of the Steeler Nation News, the adviser is quick to credit the Farrell community. From administrators who support the program to colleagues who patiently allow themselves to be interviewed or photographed, the paper is a true team effort.
"My proudest moment is anytime they work together to achieve something," the adviser says. "Whether it’s peer editing or when they excitedly flip through the pages when the newspaper is printed."
At the end of the day, the mission is fueled by a singular spirit. As the adviser puts it: "Go Steelers—because the Farrell Pride is in everything we do."
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