Last weekend, the OH journalism program, including 42Fifty and The Reflector, traveled to Nashville, TN, for the yearly National Journalism Education Association (JEA) Convention hosted by JEA and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).
From Thurs., Nov. 13 to Sun., Nov. 16, 10 student journalists received multiple opportunities to indulge themselves in journalism, expanding their knowledge base and exploring facets of scholastic and professional journalism. They also had the chance to explore the rich, musical, and food history of Nashville, TN.
On Thurs., the journalists traveled to downtown Nashville. They were able to see historical monuments and landmarks, vibrant Broadway Street, multiple statues and sculptures, the Music City Walk of Fame, and much more. The afternoon adventure ended on a high note with a team photo in front of the classic music venue, “The Stage” on Broadway Street.
The photo essay below explores the sights and some of the sounds explored by OH’s 42Fifty and The Reflector journalist participants.
Students received the opportunity to explore Nashville due to a national journalism convention hosted by JEA (Journalism Education Association). Here, student journalists get ready to explore the city of music on their first day in downtown Nashville, Thurs., Nov. 13. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyBeneath the afternoon sun, the OH journalism travelers stand proudly under “The Stage” sign on Broadway Street with their journalism program flag, handmade by OH junior Taylor Ana who is also holding the flag. Ana, who rushed to make the flag in the week preceding the trip, finished the days before the team flew to Nashville. Pictured above, left to right, back row: senior John Collins, senior Ethan Monahan, senior Hailey Nass, senior Liam Piekarczyk, senior Roman Berger; front row: senior Brandyn Hudson, junior Taylor Ana, junior Cristina Murillo, senior Jessica Bellah, junior Ainslee Gerardot, adviser Amy Howerton, faculty chaperone Abby Bartle. Credit: Doug, bouncer at The StageRecognize that stool? Nashville has a barstool that sports fans will recognize as the Barstool logo, above which is the “Positive Vibes Only” logo. Throughout the downtown area and around Nashville, the city has many vibrant murals and displays to delight visitors. While this one has more muted colors and a grey-yet-recognizable Nashville skyline, it reminds visitors that yes, there are positive vibes only in this richly diverse downtown. Music spills out of the Broadway venues and restaurants, vendors draw in shoppers with sales and street merchandise, and an overall sense of fun is on each street corner. Barstool Nashville is located at 123 2nd Ave South in downtown Nashville just off the famous Broadway Street. This is a high-traffic area for visitors and crowds are frequently seen outside the bar/restaurant. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42Fifty
Music is everywhere in Nashville – literally. Street performer Denny Feltwell performed cover songs such as “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young and “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton under the steel box girder on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Nashville. Feltwell played for free to passers by as he enjoyed the 70 degree fall weather, welcoming tips with his country-song-themed sign “feeling tipsy?” Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyWindow washers wave from above, dangling from their perches on the Bridgestone Tower on 4th Street in downtown Nashville. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyBridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators, showcases five of the top hockey players on the team. Playing on the local pastime of imbibing on nearby Broadway Street, the hockey team borrows the phrase “Smashville” for its banner. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyBroadway Street, a music-themed strip also known as the “Honky Tonk Highway,” is recognized for its live music, dining, shopping and more. On Thurs;., Nov. 13, it was alive with sounds and smells at almost all hours of the day. Each establishment is themed around a different artist or band, such as Morgan Wallen, Bon Jovi, Hank Williams, and many others. Extra restaurant chains featured include Hard Rock Cafe, Raising Canes, and other recognizable food establishments. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyA gold-winged figuer known as “The Recording Angel,” stands near the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. A statue designed and sculpted by Audrey Flack features an inscription that reds, “The recording angel inscribes the tones that envelope the heart and heal the bones, that lighten life’s toll, and soothe the soul.” Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyFirestone race tires have had a drastic involvement in Indy car racing since 1911. Since then, Firestone has won more Indianapolis 500’s than any other manufacturer. However, the team had a hiatus during the 70s and 80s. This specific car model marks the return of Firestone when racer Scott Pruett drove the number 20 Firestone Indy Car during the 1995 season. Thought his career, Pruett completed and achieved six top five finishes. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42Fifty“The Ghost Ballet,” a modern sculpture designed by Alice Aycock, is a public art installation which changes shape and form as the viewer adjusts their position in viewing it. It reminded Aycock of “a certain kind of movement – dance movements.” which is why she titled it as such. Placed by the Cumberland River which flows through downtown Nashville, this sculpture evokes the tranquil movement of the river below. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyBeloved throughout the country but especially so in Nashville, Dolly Parton’s face is seen in this mural in downtown Nashville. “If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain,” Parton reminds walkers. Thank you, Dolly. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42Fifty
Howdy! My name is Liam Piekarczyk and I am a first year staff reporter and in my senior year of high school. I am involved in the school's cross country, swim and dive, and track and field team. I am also an editor for the 25/26 reflector yearbook staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback for our publication!
[…] who captured the student team’s adventures through a photo essay, echoed Hudson’s feelings about the importance of journalism and its ability to connect […]
[…] who captured the student team’s adventures through a photo essay, echoed Hudson’s feelings about the importance of journalism and its ability to connect […]