PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Katelynn Seetaram, Student Journalist from Pace High School
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106 sec
Katelynn Seetaram, a senior at Pace High School, testifies about the importance of student journalism and its impact on school communities. She shares her personal experience as editor-in-chief of her school newspaper and highlights a recent success story where student reporting led to significant improvements in school infrastructure.
- Seetaram emphasizes how student journalism empowers students to address crucial issues and bring about real change.
- She references previous advocacy efforts, including support for Resolution 372, which calls for student newspapers in every high school.
- Seetaram urges the council to pass Introduction 1057 as a step towards realizing the goal of widespread student journalism in schools.
Katelynn Seetaram
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My name is Caitlin Citaram, and I'm currently a senior at Pace High School in the Lower East Side, represented by Christopher Marte.
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Thank you for joining us here today.
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Journalism found me by chance through a random elective placement.
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This fortunate circumstance sparked my passion for student journalism, and I have since served as editor in chief of our school newspaper for the past 2 years.
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Being a student journalist has become a fundamental part of my identity.
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This program has opened countless doors, including opportunities to serve as a student leader in the Youth Journalism Coalition and intern at the Paley Center For Media.
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While student journalism certainly enhances resumes, its true value lies in amplifying student voices and addressing crucial issues.
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In December 2023, 2 former PACE students wrote an article exposing the rotting flooring in the gymnasium shared between PACE and MS 131.
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Their reporting went beyond just highlighting water damage, drawing attention to air ventilation problems and lost opportunities for student athletes.
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According to representative Marte, this article directly led to significant breakthrough, the June 25, 2024 announcement that the PACE MS 131 Gym will receive a $750,000 renovation.
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This outcome demonstrates how journalism empowers students to uncover truth and bring real change to their communities.
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Now I am here before you as one of those empowered students, and this isn't my first time.
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In June, we were in this room to support resolution 372, which calls on the DOE to support a student paper at every high school.
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In August, we were here again when the council passed the resolution, and we asked speaker Adams at her press conference what she'll do to make it happen.
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She said, we put our money where our mouth is.
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Now passing introduction 1057 is the first step for the council to take towards making this a reality.
