Stop the Presses!
by Darren Becker
As part of an effort to empower young writers and encourage student expression, the Lester B. Pearson School Board is introducing a pilot project for a Journalism Club (J-Club) designed to introduce students to the world of reporting, writing, and publishing.
The J-Club will be led by two distinguished LBPSB alumni who are currently working in Montreal as journalists, Felicia Parrillo of Global News Montreal and Sean Henry of CBC News Montreal. Felicia is a graduate of JRHS while Sean graduated from LCCHS. Their real-world experience will guide students through different steps of the journalistic process—from researching and interviewing to crafting articles and editorials.
“I hope the J-club becomes a place where students feel inspired to explore, ask questions and tell stories that reflect their world. Journalism helps you connect with people and see things from new perspectives – and I can’t wait to see students discover that,” said Felicia.
As part of a pilot project, the J-club will be open to students with an interest in writing, communications, or media. Workshops will take place during lunch-hour with additional ones planned throughout the year at LBPSB-schools that demonstrate an interest in participating in the J-Club. The first workshop is scheduled to take place at JRHS. A second workshop open to all LBPSB high school students via Zoom is scheduled to take place in January 2026.
To help launch the J-Club project and generate some buzz, on November 20th Felicia and Sean will be at JRHS meeting and talking with students.
“Journalism is a great opportunity to meet people, listen and learn. I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out in the J-Club experience. I’ll be bringing my curiosity and know the students will bring theirs!,” said Sean.
The J- Club also aims to publish its members’ work in Pearson News, the school board’s monthly e-newsletter. By featuring student-written articles, Pearson News hopes to give young writers a platform for real-world exposure.
For more information or to sign up please send an email to jclub@lbpearson.ca
Any student who would like to submit their articles for Pearson News can also send in their work to jclub@lbpearson.ca
One Response
Sean Henry is my brother. Very proud of him