PrideTime, a Shift in Power

Micaella Balderrama

PrideTime Reporter

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a usual visitor of PrideTime's blog, which is exactly why you should continue reading this article. Since their invention, newspapers and magazines have been a way of educating the public on current events. Here at McMahon, this responsibility falls upon the shoulders of the students.
    Since its start in 2014, the PrideTime Magazine has published countless articles pertaining to the interests of the McMahon community. All articles, ranging from sports and school events, to makeup and social media trends, are both written and edited by students through a system of reporters and editors. The program, however, isn’t orchestrated by students alone.
English teacher Mr. Carroll has been administering the magazine from its start. In his time, Carroll has spoken about giving more control to the students. He says he aims to change the program to be more student-oriented; both by the students and for the students.
    Though he’s not suggesting the program being completely student run, Carroll says he wants the program to be more student-based. In the final quarter of the school year, he’s has put his ideas into action, placing a new responsibility upon the students by instituting a new classroom dynamic, where editors, who switch off every class, take control from the minute the bell rings until the final minute of class.
As a member of PrideTime, I’ve seen it in action myself. Editors take control of the 90 minute period, from start to finish, taking on full responsibility for answering questions and guiding fellow editors and reporters in their daily tasks. Instead of asking Carroll questions, we ask the editor in charge for the day; instead of asking Carroll for advice on a new direction for our articles, we ask our leading classmate.
This opportunity has effectively constructed a bridge between editors and reporters; during the school year, we reporters usually turn to Mr. Carroll and our group editors. Now, we must reach out to different students for guidance and advice.
    PrideTime reporter and social media manager Victoria McCaffrey (‘19) offered her input on the matter: “I think that it’s good to give students a voice and leadership role in the classroom, but it’s also more difficult to communicate with Carroll.”
Editor Kristina Casubolo (‘19) had similar thoughts about the new change, which she renders to be beneficial in skill building: “I’ve learned about what it’s like to step into teachers shoes for a period; how to be a better leader and keep the attention of the class, or at least, try to.”
    In general, Casubolo agreed on the newspaper being primarily run by the students, but says there’s a limit. “As long as there’s boundaries within student power, I think it’s fine. However, I don’t think Carroll should be completely off limits; if someone needs him, he should be available.”
Considering that the PrideTime Magazine is the official newspaper of Brien McMahon, it makes complete sense to have it mainly run by students. Students should be able to take up the responsibilities of organizing the program, and for the past five years, students have. In doing so, we’ve proven ourselves an able group, ready to adapt to whatever changes Carroll has in mind for the program. What will these changes be exactly and what will they entail? Stick around and we’ll find out together.

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