Under the direction of Mrs.Wood, a new addition has been added to the journalism program called Sports Desk. This class gives more students a chance to capture the action from different angles alongside newspaper and yearbook.

“I started this class because each year I have so many students interested in being on the yearbook staff, but not enough space in the class,” journalism teacher Mrs.Wood said. “So I started brainstorming ways that I can get more kids involved in the journalism program. The idea of a class focusing on sports kind of just floated to the top. We have incredibly successful athletic programs on campus and students always want to be on the sidelines. It felt like the perfect way to expand.”

The class focuses on the basics of sports photography learning how to get the perfect shot and how to tell the story of the game. It’s a mix of former and current athletes, students with photography experience, and others who are picking up a camera for the first time. 

The class has a few veteran journalism students who will help Mrs. Wood teaches and mentors the students and shares tips and tricks they have learned over the past few years.

“Desmond has been in my class since he was a freshman and now he’s about to graduate. It has been rewarding to me as a teacher to see his growth throughout the years from a quiet rookie to someone who now takes pictures at things like Texans Training Camp,” Wood said. “Having him be a student mentor to this class will help solidify his legacy in this program. Easton joined us last year and quickly made his mark in yearbook. I think having both of those students along with Maci and Jacob in the room has been impactful because they are able to spread their knowledge to the next generation of Summer Creek sports photographers and also helps them grow as leaders themselves.” 

Although the program is just starting, the students are quickly gaining journalism skills to prepare them to grow and help build the class. 

“I hope it grows and I would even love to pilot it so other schools in Texas could possibly have one as well,” she said. “Currently, students are working on player profile projects and I am loving seeing what they are coming up with. I see more in-depth reporting and sideline reporting coming very soon and only growing in the future.” 

Many students in the Sports desk are combining their love for sports and photography. Senior
Kennedy Simpson seems to be definitely getting the best of both worlds.

“I joined the class because I have an interest in it and want to major in journalism,” senior Kennedy Simpson said. “I also feel like being an athlete will benefit her a lot because she would have a big idea on what pictures athletes might want and see.”