The Florida Senate has passed a resolution recognizing and commending the Pinellas County Schools Journeys in Journalism program as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Established in 2001 by Gelareh Asayesh Brown in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Times, the program has provided innovative journalism education to students at Melrose Elementary, John Hopkins Middle School, and Lakewood High School. It serves approximately 800 students and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes hands-on reporting experiences, allowing students to cover news stories through various media formats such as audio, photography, print, and video.
Over the years, the Journeys in Journalism program has garnered numerous national awards and has produced alumni who have pursued careers in diverse fields, including journalism, media literacy, and business. The program not only enhances students' communication skills and critical thinking but also encourages civic engagement and prepares them for future educational and professional opportunities. The resolution highlights the program's significant impact on the lives of students and its contribution to the Pinellas County school system over the past 25 years.