The Register
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For the last two years I have been the editor-in-chief of The Register. In that time I've worked to grow the paper from a staff of 4 to a staff of 24. We have won awards for stories and for the paper as a whole. We have helped to inform and empower our community.
I've learned so much as editor-in-chief. I've learned how to communicate criticism, to appreciate other's perspectives, to value their skill sets, when to hold the line and when to let someone win.
Most importantly I've learned that a newspaper is about the people.
Leadership
Creating a newspaper is filled with a thousand distinct tasks and it is easy to get caught up in the minutiae. But it was those times that we focused on the people and the community that made all the difference: our yearly "marrying of the paper" event (complete with cake and violins), the trip we took together to Columbia University, and the monthly work nights.
I hope that I challenged my staff, I hope that I had high standards, but most of all I hope that they know I did to enhance their voice and create the best paper possible.
Reporting
Editing
Design
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ABOUT ME
I’ve never loved writing. As an underclassmen, I considered myself a “math person” and my interest in the humanities didn’t extend beyond getting good grades in English class. Sophomore year I joined the Journalism class at my school for graduation credit - with no intention of seriously contributing to the paper. I could never have predicted that it would play such a pivotal role in my high school life.
My first article for the newspaper was about artificial intelligence and plagiarism at school. Though I was not interested in writing, I was interested in this topic and I was inspired to put my best foot forward. As I uncovered the story – interviewing community members, researching online, and discussing with my peers – I learned that journalism provided me a unique opportunity to dive into the issues I cared about. When the article was finally published, I learned that feedback from community members who were impacted by my reporting was almost as satisfying as the process of reporting itself.
This experience persuaded me to join the paper as a staff writer. As a reporter, I focused on contentious issues affecting the school community such as absenteeism, standardized tests, and administrative turnover. I challenged myself by reaching out to groups that I was unfamiliar with and understanding perspectives that greatly differed from my own. As I compiled these perspectives into articles, I learned to appreciate the power that journalism has to connect communities and initiate dialogue.
When I became editor-in-chief my relationship with journalism was once again transformed. While I had previously taken pride in solely my own articles, I was now responsible for a final product much greater in scope. I was compelled to develop my skills in areas – such as leadership, editing, and design – that I had previously ignored. With an increased sense of responsibility came increased dedication to the paper and increased time spent at every stage of the publishing process. From overhauling our editing process to perfecting the aesthetic details of each print edition, this new role proved to be just as rewarding as it was challenging.
Whether it be as a writer, reporter, editor, designer, or leader, my involvement with journalism has had a profound impact on my personality and perspective on the world.
Best of Sno Award
Reporting & Editing Awards
Staff Awards
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NESPA Paper Award
Far left: Best of Sno Award for my article "Unexcused: BHS Struggles to Combat Record High Absenteeism."
Middle: I'm extremely proud of our entire staff and grateful to NESPA for recognizing The Register as an All New England winner in the Newspaper category.
Right: I'm most proud of the various awards my staff writers have won such as this one by Rose Howell about how the increase in Marijuana shops in our area.
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“Connor really turned our program around. There were 4 kids on staff when I started and now we have 24. He demands a lot from people, but not as much as he demands from himself. He's a great leader.” ~Jeff Finn, Newspaper Sponsor
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"I have seen first hand his immense dedication to the quality of the Newspaper. His commitment in both school and free time to improving the BHS Journalism program, culture and community may indeed be the key to our success in publishing consistently impressive editions. I cannot think of anyone else who has made the sacrifices and given the effort that Connor has to any pursuit in high school!" ~Nikolas Homan, Staff Writer
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"From my very first interaction with Connor, it was clear that he was both insightful and driven. His strong leadership and kind personality have not only inspired me to always give my best within the paper but have also motivated me to push myself beyond journalism and into real life. I have no doubt that Connor is highly deserving of this award, as his impact on our paper and its staff has been inspiring." ~Sean Early, Staff Writer
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TESTIMONIALS
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Design
Last year our staff was small and I taught myself how to use the Adobe Cloud Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, etc. in order to do the editing. This year we have a staff of 4 amazing designers that I collaborate with to create the print edition of the paper.
Below is an example of the designs from that first year and to the right you can see samples of my design work.
I like working with writers to communicate their article in a way that will entice a reader.
