From classroom to newsroom: SJMC students’ work published in local newspaper
By Megan Weise
Three SJMC student-written stories and accompanying photos ran in The San Marcos Daily Record, both in print and digitally, in mid-March and through April. The placements reflect a growing connection between classroom instruction and professional publication opportunities with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Kira Utter and Isabella Palombo hold their newspapers featuring their articles.
The stories all covered positive things impacting the San Marcos community, highlighting local voices, businesses and spaces that shape daily life in the city.
Two of the students were in Jessica James’ News Writing and Reporting I course, where James picks the best stories from the class and submits them to The Record for the chance to be published. The process mirrors a real newsroom experience, from pitching to publication.
For Kira Utter, a journalism junior, it was her first opportunity to see her work in print.
“There’s no feeling like seeing your own writing in print where people of all demographics will be able to see it,” Utter said.
Utter wrote her story about Gwendolyn Hustvedt, a fashion merchandising professor at Texas State, who created 15 silk banners in honor of Edwards Aquifer. Utter attended workshops hosted by Hustvedt where she was able to help as an assistant.
“Being a journalist provides you with so many incredible opportunities,” Utter said. “And it kind of really puts you out there, not just as a writer, but also as a person.”
Isabella Palombo, a journalism junior, had a goal to be published. Not only did she get published, but her story was featured on the front page of the newspaper.
“I wanted that spot,” Palombo said. “And I’m really happy that all my work came to fruition, and I got to show my mom and my grandpa, and it was awesome.”
Palombo’s story follows local TikToker Luis Dominguez, who reviews San Marcos restaurants.
She decided to interview Dominguez and the owners of a local pizzeria, Brico’s Pizza, to uncover how the TikToker’s videos have aided local businesses and influenced customer traffic.
“So, I sat everybody down and heard both of their sides,” Palombo said. “And they’ve indeed said that (Dominguez) did definitely help their business and brought more people to their business.”
Isabella Palombo held her newspaper featuring her articles.
Under Eraldo “Dino” Chiecchi’s guidance in his Photojournalism class, Ella Knudsen, a public relations and musical theater senior, went right to the heart of San Marcos for her story – Sewell Park. Her work combined strong visuals with narrative storytelling, emphasizing the role of photojournalism in capturing community identity.
Publishing this piece felt like the perfect way to close out my time at Texas State. It represents both the work I’ve put in and how far I’ve come as a writer.
“I wanted to go and kind of get a feel for why people love it so much and what keeps them going back to Sewell Park,” Knudsen said.
Knudsen’s story paints a picture of how Sewell Park contributes to the daily lives of students, alumni, area residents and tourists. Her story ran in the centerpiece position on the front page of a Sunday newspaper. The placement reflects both editorial value and reader interest.
“It felt like an accomplishment,” Knudsen said. “I think during this major you write a lot of stuff, but to see it actually get put out there was just incredibly rewarding.”
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication emphasizes real work and industry connections. Students have the opportunity to produce professional articles that reach audiences beyond the classroom and prepare them for careers in journalism and media. Opportunities like these allow students to build published portfolios before graduation and step into the field with hands on experience.