A journalist's notebook and trusty Associated Press Stylebook lie on an open Daily Press "Opinion" page. The local newspaper is seeking content from aspiring writers to be published in a series of columns that reveal what life is like for middle- and high-schoolers.

ESCANABA – The Daily Press is launching a new student-written column aimed at amplifying student voices and giving young writers a chance to experience real-world journalism.

Students in grades six through 12 in the Daily Press’ coverage area are invited to submit their original writing that reflects their lives in and out of school, including their hobbies, aspirations, challenges and personal experiences.

“I’m so excited to see students’ perspectives that adults cannot replicate,” said Sarah Greenlund, publisher of the Daily Press. “This will also be a great way to connect students to our community by shedding some light on what goes on everyday in the life of a student.”

To introduce the initiative, staff writers from the Daily Press visited the Escanaba Junior/Senior High School (EJSHS) on Monday.

During their visit, staff writers spoke with students about the purpose of the column, submission guidelines and how the opportunity offers students a chance to have their writing published in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

EJSHS Principal Andy Doutree encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I hope at least a handful of you guys decide to take advantage of this. It’d be really cool, be good to highlight some of you guys in the paper.”

When the group was asked about their interest in writing and future careers, one seventh grader stated she wants to be an author and enjoys writing fiction stories, while an eleventh grader shared her goal of becoming an English teacher.

Senior Shelby Starnes said she hopes the column will provide older generations a better insight into what high school is like in 2026.

“I hope that the older people that read the newspaper can see how high school has changed since (they attended), and maybe they’ll understand a little bit more, because they’re like, ‘Oh, back in high school, it wasn’t that hard,’ but they don’t understand.”

Senior Gracelynn Schafer expanded on that idea, referencing her job at a local restaurant and conversations she has had with older customers. While she acknowledged that past generations faced their own hardships, she said being a student today still comes with unique challenges.

“It all circles back,” said Schafer. “Eventually, it’s all the same thing, but different. … This will be a fun way to finally show them (students’ perspectives).

By publishing student work, the Daily Press hopes to encourage young writers to engage more deeply with storytelling, critical thinking and self-expression.

Submission guidelines:

– Columns should be 400-600 words.

– Short, split paragraphs are encouraged.

– Providing a headline is optional.

– Writers must include their name, age, grade and the school they attend at the top of the document.

– Columns should be saved and submitted as a PDF.

– Email submissions to life@dailypress.net.

– Relevant photos can be attached to the email with captions for each photo (one or two sentences describing who is pictured, what is happening and when, etc.)

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, and students may submit multiple columns. The student column will be published weekly or monthly, depending on interest. A Daily Press staff writer will follow up with the student whose work is selected that week or month.

Feel free to email the Daily Press with questions, comments or prompt ideas.