Sharing students’ stories

Some people may argue that going to an all-girl, private school may strip you of your individuality. That is not true for my school. I’ve gone to Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart since Pre-K. I essentially grew up there, surrounded by a variety of bold, intelligent and talented peers. I found that we are so much alike, and yet so different. By the time I was in sixth grade, I knew I had to give that diversity a place. The idea was simple: Provide a place for all students to not only share their thoughts and talents, but also to have fun and interact.

With the help of the middle school principal, Mr. Tony Houle, I spent the summer going into seventh grade creating such a place, an online magazine, and I was fortunate that the school provided the space on their website. On Aug. 1, 2015, the first completely student-run, online magazine for Duchesne launched.

I took a risk starting this on my own, for the content, graphics and publishing needed to be managed and balanced along with my school work. It didn’t take long for fellow students to step up by submitting articles and pictures and sharing their talents and personal stories. By the end of the first year, I had a staff of six volunteer content editors, and they made each issue amazing.

Bonjour Duchesne, originally DASH Girl, is now in its second year. It has had the honor of being recognized by Finalsite, the company that runs the school website, for its unique use of the webpage, and will be featured in a keynote presentation and a seminar by the company. I have learned valuable life skills like managing time and staff, meeting deadlines, interviewing, marketing and corresponding professionally. Most importantly, I have grown closer to girls of all grades in the middle school. One of the goals for a Sacred Heart education is “personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.” I am forever grateful for the freedom and assistance that I was given to take an idea and make it a reality.

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to [email protected]. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.