We are so excited to see what new staff members apply to be a part of our program. What we do at CFHS is fun and important, but it’s also a lot of hard work.

On this team, we work to make sure that we capture the stories and faces that make up a school year and preserve it for the historical record in a beautiful and fun way.

Here’s the information you need to know as you apply:

1. How do I complete the application (and why is it so long)? To get a tutorial on how to complete the application, check out the embedded video where the adviser, Mrs. Hall, talks you through the whole process. As for the length of the application, the answer is simple: we want the best staff we can possibly have; to find the best, we have to ask a lot of questions.
2. What are the benefits of being a part of the publications staff?
   The Newspaper Association of America did a study which proved high school journalism students perform better on standardized tests, make higher GPAs and earn higher grades their first semester of college than their classmates. But, why should you consider joining our program?
   • It’s entirely project-based
   • You learn everyday skills like writing, photography, communication, ethics, interviewing, fact gathering, graphic design and marketing
   • It’s a student-run program which gives you an opportunity to learn to lead a successful team
   • You’ll learn workplace and time-management skills like analytical thinking, peer collaboration, clear writing, and understanding of deadlines
   • And, it’s fun!
3. What knowledge do I need to have to be considered for the staff? Having knowledge of design, photography, and journalistic writing is helpful, but we can teach you those things.
4. What kind of training will you provide to help me integrate into the staff? We can teach you everything you need to know (and we will be teaching our new staff members a lot during our publications bootcamp this summer). The most important thing is that you have an open mind and a willingness to learn.
5. Will I be accepted just because I applied? In short, NO. We are looking for a few special students to round out our already amazing staff. Mrs. Hall’s ideal staff size is about 15-20 for yearbook, and 12-15 for newspaper/magazine. Everyone isn’t going to be a fit for us, but the better your application, the better your chances.
6. Is it okay to turn the application in late? NO. But, you are welcome to turn it in early. Applications received after March 5, 2025 will NOT be considered.
7. How do the yearbook and the newspaper/magazine differ? The yearbook is design-heavy and uses more photographs, while the newspaper/magazine is more heavily focused on writing.
8. Who do I contact if I have questions? You can contact the journalism adviser, Bisa Hall, by email at [email protected].