Caroline Berry, current editor-in-chief of The Charger, has recently been named the MSPA Journalist of the Year. Berry will now compete at the national level of the Journalism Education Association’s High School Journalist of the Year competition. This is now the second year in a row OHS has had a student receive this honor.
“When I received the news I was named the MSPA Journalist of the Year, I felt deeply honored,” Berry said. “I’m humbled to be recognized amidst such strong writers across our state. With so much work required behind the scenes, receiving this recognition helps me feel seen and celebrated.”
Berry used to be the features editor of The Charger, but worked her way up to being the current editor-in-chief. Having that role has shown her a different side to being involved in journalism.
“The most challenging aspect of my editor-in-chiefship has been the more administrative side of the role,” Berry said. “Managing project deadlines not only for myself, but for my entire staff has been a more intensive task than I initially presumed. Nonetheless, my staff is an incredibly motivated and talented group of writers who make being editor the most fun role in the world.”
Being on The Charger staff has taught Berry a great deal about life and writing. She learned a lot throughout being involved in journalism getting her to the place she is now.
“Writing in Associated Press Style was completely new to me when I first joined the staff so there was definitely a learning curve in that regard,” Berry said. “Journalism has challenged me to think about my audience not only in my writing but in all of my inter-
actions. Every adjective, gerund, and preposition used in journalistic writing makes a world of difference in how the piece is interpreted by one’s readers. I’ve found it’s best to approach life with a similar intentionality to this.”
The passion Berry has for writing started with her family and teachers. They have inspired and supported her throughout her entire journalism career.
“My parents and teachers have fostered this love and supported me immensely throughout my writing career,” Berry said. “My family has always been incredibly supportive of my journalistic ambitions. They have always pushed me to go beyond the standard. My parents, additionally, instilled in me a love of reading from a young age and have taught me just how powerful writing can be.”
Berry has greatly enjoyed her time so far on The Charger staff. She found herself not just loving the ability to write, but also the connections she was able to make with her staff.
“My favorite memories on staff most definitely are from distribution days,” Berry said. “I love getting to ride around Oxford with my staff and help put our papers in news-stands and local businesses. It is a great bonding experience particularly for our new members and it helps to strengthen the tight knit community we have at The Charger.”
Writing has always been a big outlet for Berry. Being a part of The Charger gave her a chance to share her great love of writing with others.
“I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to spotlight others,” Berry said. “I have always found that highlighting others at our school, in our community, and in our world is a way to promote the strengths and unique qualities of others. The Charger has provided me with an incredible platform to bring attention to the issues happening in our community and elevates the exposure of extraordinary circumstances.”
Journalism will be a part of Berry’s future one way or another. Writing has been an enjoyable part of Berry’s life and she plans to continue with it either as just a hobby or a career.
“I am sure of the fact that I will be a lifelong writer whether I pursue journalism as a career or not,” Berry said. “I plan to write for a college news publication in the future and hope my writing will continue to make an impact on others.”
Berry has improved The Charger in many different ways. She sets a great example for the rest of the staff every day.
“Having Caroline on staff and as the editor-in-chief has been fantastic,” Diala Chaney, The Charger advisor said. “She brings a new perspective and fresh ideas to the paper every month.”
The work Berry does is greatly admired by the people around her. The attitude and determination she has and puts towards The Charger does
not go unnoticed.
“Caroline is a smart, strong, independent student,” Chaney said. “She accomplishes everything she puts her mind to. She has been an invaluable staff member of the paper and an incredible leader for the staff as a whole.”
This year is not the first time The Charger has had a staff member receive this honor. Winnie Wilson, former editor-in-chief, achieved the title of MSPA Journalist of the Year last year as well.
“It makes me feel a sense of accomplishment as a teacher when I have a student win this award,” Chaney said. “Having Winnie Wilson win last year and now Caroline is historic for our journalism program.”
