Adult participation in the paper is essential, too

In many respects, Manor Ink is a labor of love. Even though all of the paper’s young staffers are full-time students with daily classes, evening homework, sports practices and often part-time jobs, they still find time to create news stories and feature articles for the paper’s readers each month. And just as remarkably, the Ink’s adult mentors who assist them in those efforts are nearly all volunteers, giving their time freely, even though they often have jobs and demanding family responsibilities of their own.

Why do they do it? That question was put to two of Manor Ink’s recent adult volunteers, and their answers, not surprisingly, involved both personal satisfaction and a desire to contribute to the community. Inspiring! Here’s what they said.

Janice Phillips, Manor Ink Mentor

Manor Ink is a unique opportunity for students to develop communication skills and share their creativity in a safe and caring environment. It is the vibrant and dedicated local youth on the Manor Ink staff that make the newspaper come together each month. The newspaper enables talented student writers, editors and photographers to keep the community informed about issues worth caring about and that have an impact on our daily lives. It is through the gathering of information, verifying facts, and conducting interviews that students gain the knowledge related to significant happenings and developments in our local community.

Community members are able to develop positive connections with students as they answer questions and share ideas and thoughts during interviews for articles. This deep understanding of key issues and their impact on them personally enables students to develop their voice and the ability to advocate for positive change that enriches our community. Providing a platform for students to develop and share their voice is what I see as a very valuable role of Manor Ink. This was part of my rationale for joining this amazing team and becoming a mentor.

However, on a more personal level, there are several reasons that I enjoy being a mentor on the Manor Ink staff. Having recently retired after 36 years in the field of education, the idea of not continuing to work with our local youth is inconceivable. It was an honor and a blessing to be asked to join the Ink staff as a mentor.

The weekly meetings take place in a lively and energetic environment. It is such a rewarding experience to meet with the paper’s journalists and learn from students their perspectives on challenges, experiences and current events that are impacting them and the community. It also keeps me informed on what is trending in video games, movies and fashion. As we move into 2025, I look forward to continuing to be a part of the amazing Manor Ink team.

Gina Ballard, Manor Ink Mentor

When asked to join the Manor Ink staff as a student mentor, I was honored, excited and, admittedly, a bit nervous. With years of teaching experience at the elementary level, I was hopeful that mentoring middle- and high school-aged students would come somewhat naturally.

Since retiring from Livingston Manor Central School, there’s still a longing within me to stay involved with both the students and the surrounding communities. Having joined Manor Ink this past August, I can honestly say the longing has been fulfilled in so many wonderful and positive ways. All students should have the opportunity to find a talent that lets them shine. This is made possible for the student writers and photographers at Manor Ink, and I’m thankful to be a part of this newspaper.

A paper that is student-driven can be beneficial for both the students and community. Students gain skills by learning how to prepare and conduct interviews, write and edit stories, and meet deadlines. When given the chance to question, participate and interact with their local communities, students make strong connections with community members. A special feeling of belonging and understanding evolves between both the students and the public. There is a nice flow of communication. The students have questions, and the local communities are more than content to answer them. It is a very valuable interconnection showcased through the newspaper.

Local news written from a youthful perspective gives voice to those who are often looking for opportunities to be heard. It’s a chance for our youth to exercise their freedom of expression and creativity in a safe setting. Their perspective offers the community a chance to gain insight into what is important and meaningful to our younger members.

In a day and age where newspapers are dying out, Manor Ink is going strong thanks to our talented students, close-knit communities, generous sponsors and dedicated staff. A newspaper is tangible, visible on shop counters and in newsstands, but most importantly (and refreshingly) not a digital screen. Manor Ink is creating connections and conversations that are fundamental in keeping the lines of communication open for both our treasured youth and local communities. Let’s keep a good thing going in 2025!